Senate Resolution No. 723

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Kermit G. Stradtman, Sr.,
former Fire Chief, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble volunteer firefighters who exhibit courage and
bravery every day in the course of their duties; and

WHEREAS, Volunteer 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, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Kermit G. Stradtman, Sr. of
Cheektowaga, New York, on February 9, 2017; and

WHEREAS, For 53 years, Kermit G. Stradtman, Sr. was a proud member
of the South Line Fire Company; throughout his illustrious tenure, this
volunteer heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those
responsibilities which define the task of fire protection; and

WHEREAS, Born on September 17, 1939, in Buffalo, New York, Kermit G.
Stradtman, Sr. attended Pine Hill High School; after graduation, he
drove a truck for Univar, a position from which he retired in 2004; and

WHEREAS, In 1962, Kermit G. Stradtman, Sr., affectionately known as
Bud, joined the South Line Fire Company; he quickly rose through the
ranks, serving as Chief from 1969-1974; in this capacity, he was in
charge of the Cheektowaga Fire District which covers approximately 3.5
square miles, from its border with West Seneca on the south, Transit
Road on the East, Union Road to the west and Losson Road to the north;
and

WHEREAS, Active in many firefighting circles, Bud Stradtman, Sr. was
a founder of the Cheektowaga District Officers and a member of the Erie
County District Officers; this remarkable man also belonged to the New
York State Fire Chiefs Association, the New York State Fire District
Officers, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Erie County
Volunteer Firemen's Association, and the Southwestern Association of
Volunteer Firemen, as well as both the Cheektowaga and Erie County Fire
Chiefs organizations; and

WHEREAS, Well-respected by many for his vast knowledge and
accomplished skills, Bud Stradtman, Sr. held the title of Commissioner
of the fire district for 30 years; most recently, he served as its
Secretary; and

WHEREAS, In 2014, Bud Stradtman, Sr. was honored for more than 50
years of active service to the Department, and was inducted into the
Wall of Fame at the Fire Training Academy in Cheektowaga; and

WHEREAS, Bud Stradtman, Sr. was well known and admired by many as a
great leader, mentor and friend to thousands of firefighters he
encountered during his firefighting career which spanned over five
decades; 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;
Bud Stradtman, Sr. was such a firefighter; throughout 53 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, Predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Kelly Stradtman, Kermit
G. Stradtman, Sr. is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Rosemary
(Rozewska) Stradtman; one son, Kermit "Butch" Stradtman, Jr.; one
daughter, Gayle (Scott) Broad; his five grandchildren, Nicholas, Joshua,
Jeremy, Sarah, and Sierra; and several nieces and nephews as well as a
legion of fellow firefighters and friends who will long cherish his
memory; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
pay tribute to the memory of Kermit G. Stradtman, Sr., to celebrate his
life, and to honor his many accomplishments; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Kermit G. Stradtman, Sr.