LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Gene VanDeWalle upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of
dedicated service to the Walworth Fire Department

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 Firefighter Gene
VanDeWalle upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Walworth Fire Department;
this impressive milestone will be celebrated on Sunday, July 27, 2014,
at the Walworth Fire Department Fire House; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Gene VanDeWalle has not only been a committed
member of the Walworth Fire Department, he has also taken on the mantle
of leadership within the Department, serving as Chief for ten years,
Commissioner, President, and Trustee; in addition, he was President of
the Wayne County Fire Chiefs Association, President of the Wayne County
Volunteer Firemen's Association, and a member of the Wayne County Fire
Police Association; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Shirley VanDeWalle,
and their three daughters, Kathy, Karen, and Laurie, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; 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; Gene
VanDeWalle is such a firefighter; throughout 50 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 Firefighter Gene VanDeWalle for 50 years of distinguished
service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Gene VanDeWalle.