Senate Resolution No. 42

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMENDING Sullivan County Public Safety
Commissioner and Fire Coordinator Richard
Martinkovic upon the occasion of his retirement
after 38 years of distinguished public service to
Sullivan County

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those
individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who are devoted to the welfare of their community and its
citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Sullivan County Public Safety Commissioner and Fire Coordinator
Richard Martinkovic upon the occasion of his retirement after 38 years
of distinguished public service to Sullivan County; and

WHEREAS, Richard Martinkovic, affectionately known as Dick, began
his service at the county level as a Deputy Fire Coordinator in 1978,
rising to Fire Coordinator in 2002; and

WHEREAS, Just over a decade ago, Dick Martinkovic was named Sullivan
County's Commissioner of Public Safety where he is responsible for the
Bureau of Fire, the Office of Emergency Management, 911, Emergency
Medical Services, and Probation; he is also tasked with being the DWI
Coordinator, Article 75 Hearing Officer, and a liaison with county
coroners, the District Attorney's Office and the Sheriff; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Dick Martinkovic is empowered to be the acting
county manager in the event that something unexpected befalls the actual
county manager; and

WHEREAS, As the county's chief of public safety, Dick Martinkovic
keeps close ties with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, National
Park Service, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation,
New York City Department of Environmental Conservation, the State Police
and area law enforcement agencies, among others; he also serves as
President of the New York State Fire Coordinators' Association; and

WHEREAS, A true pillar of public safety in Sullivan County for many
years, Dick Martinkovic, with his knack for networking, has been
instrumental in bringing together all of the key players in public
safety to keep the county safe and in a position to respond effectively
when necessary; and

WHEREAS, Dick Martinkovic is a resident of Liberty, New York, where
he served as a village trustee for three years, a town councilman for
eight years, and as town supervisor for another eight years; he was also

with Verizon, formerly Bell Atlantic, NYNEX and New York Telephone, for
35 years, retiring as service supervisor; and

WHEREAS, In his retirement Dick Martinkovic plans to manage
properties he owns in Delaware and Florida, spend time with family, and
travel more; he will remain involved with the state Fire Coordinators'
Association as its immediate past president, and will continue to serve
as a firefighter in the Liberty Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, For nearly four decades, Dick Martinkovic rendered
faithful, conscientious and valuable service to Sullivan County, earning
him the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Dick Martinkovic over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Sullivan County Public Safety Commissioner and Fire Coordinator
Richard Martinkovic upon the occasion of his retirement after 38 years
of distinguished public service to Sullivan County; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Richard Martinkovic.