Senate Resolution No. 294

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Firefighter Richard Percoski upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 60 years of dedicated service to the Lowville
Fire Department

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

WHEREAS, 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 Percoski upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 60 years of dedicated service to the Lowville
Fire Department to be celebrated on April 27, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter Richard Percoski joined the Lowville Fire
Department in June of 1959; throughout his years of service, he has held
several positions within the Department including: Custodian and
Mechanic from 1959-1967; 2nd Assistant Chief, 1967-1969; and 1st
Assistant Chief, 1969-1973; as well as Chief from 1973-1979; and

WHEREAS, In 1980, Firefighter Richard Percoski was instrumental in
helping the department to acquire a new fire hall which became the
building currently maintained and used to carry out fire prevention for
the district; and

WHEREAS, Upon becoming Chief, Richard Percoski first battled a
difficult grass fire in Lowville cemetery during a snow storm, and then
the Lowville Fire Department was dispatched to the military crash in
Payne Lake in the Town of Watson; and

WHEREAS, Serving on many committees, Firefighter Richard Percoski
was Chairman of both the House and Bar Committees; he was also honored
as Fireman of the Year in 1995 and again in 2007; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters unwaveringly serve our great State with pride,
valor, and integrity; they 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 Percoski is such a firefighter; throughout 60 years of devoted
service, performing heroically, 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 Percoski upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition after 60 years of dedicated service
to the Lowville Fire Department; and be it further

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