LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring outgoing Chief Paul Waterman upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after many years of
dedicated service to Merrick 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 honor outgoing Chief Paul
Waterman upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after many years of dedicated service to Merrick Fire Department, cele-
brated at its 91st Annual Inspection and Installation Dinner on Satur-
day, January 17, 2015, at Hyatt Regency Hotel, Hauppauge, New York; 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, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery
every day in the course of their duties; and
WHEREAS, Firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and the
strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic
magnitude; their sacrifices and their selfless dedication merit tribute
and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and
WHEREAS, Many firefighters have lost their lives to save the lives of
others; each and every day, they face danger and peril without fear and
perform their job with the utmost concern and professionalism; 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; Chief
Paul Waterman is such a firefighter; throughout his 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
honor outgoing Chief Paul Waterman upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after many years of dedicated service to Merrick
Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Chief Paul Waterman.