Senate Resolution No. 1954

BY: Senator KAPLAN

COMMENDING Firefighter Richard LaPera upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Atlantic
Hook & Ladder Company No. 1

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Firefighter Richard LaPera upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the Atlantic
Hook & Ladder Company No. 1, to be celebrated at its 133rd Annual
Installation and Inspection Dinner in Port Washington, New York, on
Saturday, June 15, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Richard LaPera was elected to membership in the the
Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company No. 1, in 1968; throughout his five
decades, he has worked diligently within the Department, serving on
numerous committees; and

WHEREAS, More affectionately known as "The Judge", The Honorable
Richard LaPera has served as a Judge in District Court, County Court and
Supreme Court; in this capacity, he is committed to up-to-date knowledge
of the laws of the State of New York, which greatly benefits the members
of the Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company No. 1; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters unwaveringly serve our great State with pride,
valor, and integrity; these respected volunteers are often the first to
respond to an emergency, whether the emergency is a fire, transportation
accident, natural disaster, act of terrorism, medical crisis, or spill
of hazardous materials; 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;
Richard LaPera 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, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Firefighter Richard LaPera upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the
Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company No. 1; and be it further

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