LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Assistant Chief Kenneth Lewis upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 37 years of
dedicated service to the Otterkill Engine Company No. 1

WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State are renowned throughout the
Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the arduous
field of fire protection and prevention; and
WHEREAS, Since the early days of "teapot steamers," the volunteer
firefighter has been the cornerstone of our great Nation's efforts to
spare us from the ravages of fire; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Assistant Chief
Kenneth Lewis upon the occasion of his designation for special recogni-
tion after 37 years of dedicated service to the Otterkill Engine Company
No. 1 to be celebrated at its Annual Banquet on Saturday, November 1,
2014; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Lewis joined the Otterkill Engine Company No. 1 in
1976; in addition to serving as Assistant Chief, he has held numerous
positions including Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain and
Chief; and
WHEREAS, Assistant Chief Kenneth Lewis was named Firefighter of the
Year in 2000, and received the Eric W. Kruger Memorial Presidential
Award in 2010; and
WHEREAS, Volunteer firefighters and fire departments not only provide
the critical service of fire protection but also engage in other activ-
ities of great benefit and importance to the communities they serve; and
WHEREAS, It takes a special dedication, a strong desire to help others
and a tireless sense of community to forsake precious time with family
and friends to respond to the signal that a neighbor is in need; Kenneth
Lewis is such a firefighter; throughout 37 years of devoted service,
this volunteer heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty,
those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Assistant Chief Kenneth Lewis for 37 years of distinguished
service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Assistant Chief Kenneth Lewis.