Senate Resolution No. 1480

BY: Senator JACOBS

MOURNING the death of former Fire Commissioner
Walter "Jay" Milligan of the Lake View Volunteer
Fire Department

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of former Fire Commissioner W. Jay
Milligan, noting the significance of his purposeful life and
accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, W. Jay Milligan of Lake View, New York, died on Monday,
March 20, 2017, at the age of 86; and

WHEREAS, W. Jay Milligan joined the Lake View Volunteer Fire
Department in July of 2005, and was an active and productive member
until his death; throughout his 12 years of service, he always strived
to give back to his community; and

WHEREAS, Never in the history of the Lake View Volunteer Fire
Department did a "seasoned", 73 year-old rookie, become involved and
give of himself above and beyond normal expectations; at a time in life
when most veteran fire service members draw back in their activities, he
was just the opposite; his determination was simply incredible; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, W. Jay Milligan answered more than
21 percent of EMS and fire calls, which was close to 100 calls per year;
he faithfully attended weekly drills and training sessions, meetings and
work details; and

WHEREAS, In 2008, W. Jay Milligan was elected to the esteemed title
of Fire Commissioner of the Lake View Fire District, a position he held
until 2013; in this capacity, he was instrumental in the Fire District's
acquisition of two parcels of property which allowed the fire department
to have options should the district need to expand or update its
facilities in the future; and

WHEREAS, Well-respected and appreciated by his fellow fire service
members, W. Jay Milligan was an honorary member of the Armor Volunteer
Fire Company, and an active participant in the Southtowns Fire Police
Association, and the Fire Police Squad; and

WHEREAS, W. Jay Milligan found friendships in Erie County and
throughout New York State while attending local, county and state
conferences and training sessions; those who had the opportunity to know
him found him to be an interesting and caring; he had a way of making
friends quickly and those friendships were mutually respected and
cherished; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his valuable work with the Lake View
Volunteer Fire Department, W. Jay Milligan was a pioneer in the
motorsports industry and the founding father of JM Productions, Inc.;
and

WHEREAS, Nearly 54 years ago, W. Jay Milligan first produced a
Demolition Derby at the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, New York; his hard
work and vast knowledge was the groundwork of his thriving company which
ultimately became the driving force behind more than 70 shows annually
at both state and county fairs all over the eastern United States; and

WHEREAS, In 1974, W. Jay Milligan created the All-American Thrill
Show where he had a role in developing a mid-air, 360 degree roll called
the "Astro-Spiral"; and

WHEREAS, An exceptional skier, W. Jay Milligan also served on the
United States Ski Patrol at Kissing Bridge for approximately 15 years;
and

WHEREAS, Jay Milligan distinguished himself in the Lake View
Volunteer Fire Department and by his sincere dedication and substantial
contribution to the welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, A great asset to society, Jay Milligan is going to be truly
missed and will be a great loss to the Lake View Volunteer Fire
Department; 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;
Jay Milligan was such a firefighter; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his years of devoted service, Jay Milligan
heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those
responsibilities which define the task of fire protection; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife, Florence E. Milligan, and his
brother-in-law, William Christensen, Jay Milligan is survived by his
former wife, Kathy Milligan; six children, Sheryl L. (Dale) Zielonka,
Jay (Dee) Milligan, Jr., Paul L. Milligan, Kathleen E. (James) Werling,
Barbara J. (Doug) Manchester, and Marilyn R. (John) Zoeckler; 13
grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister, Joyann Christensen;
several nieces and nephews; and his cat, Skooter; as well as a legion of
fellow firefighters and friends who will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Jay Milligan leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain a comforting memory to all he served
and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of former Fire Commissioner Walter "Jay" Milligan of the
Lake View Volunteer Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Walter "Jay" Milligan.