LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Thomas Vail upon the occa-
sion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedi-
cated service to the Afton 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, 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 Thomas
Vail upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after
50 years of dedicated service to the Afton Volunteer Fire Department;
and
WHEREAS, Thomas Vail joined the Afton Volunteer Fire Department on
January 10, 1966; since 1987, he has served as the Department's Treasur-
er; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he has been a member of the Board of Directors
since 1995, and the Fire Commissioner since 2015; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Vail retired from the esteemed position of Vice Presi-
dent of NBT Bank after 45 years of distinguished service; today, he
still sits on NBT Bank's Advisory Board; 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; Thomas
Vail 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, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Firefighter Thomas Vail for 50 years of distinguished service;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Thomas Vail.