LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Howard F. Combs upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition after 65 years of dedicated
service to the Port Gibson Volunteer 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, 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 Nation; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Howard F. Combs
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 65
years of dedicated service to the Port Gibson Volunteer Fire Department,
to be celebrated at its Annual Banquet on Saturday, March 5th, 2016, at
the Palmyra VFW Post No. 6778, Palmyra, 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, 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; Howard
F. Combs is such a firefighter; throughout 65 years of devoted service,
this volunteer heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty,
those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection; and
WHEREAS, In the performance of his duties, Howard F. Combs has demon-
strated his character and his compassion for the welfare of others and
has proven to be a tremendous asset to his community; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his loving wife, Barbara, who
feels privileged to be a part of his life and rejoices in his achieve-
ments; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude to
those devoted individuals who recognize that the preservation of life is
a sacred responsibility and who make that responsibility their own by
serving as volunteers; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that we should give
special recognition to those who work so assiduously for the betterment
of their communities, and acknowledge publicly the heroic good works
performed by the volunteer fire departments of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Howard F. Combs upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 65 years of dedicated service to the Port Gibson
Volunteer Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Howard F. Combs.