Senate Resolution No. 479

BY: Senator AKSHAR

CONGRATULATING Stephen Koerts upon the occasion of
his retirement after more than 45 years of
distinguished service to the Greene Emergency Squad

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those individuals within the State of New York who, in
the course of their jobs, perform acts of heroic dimension; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Stephen Koerts upon the occasion of his retirement after
more than 45 years of distinguished service to the Greene Emergency
Squad; this momentous occasion was celebrated with a party in his honor
on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at The Genegantslet Golf Club, Greene,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in the small town of Greene, New York,
Stephen Koerts worked at the local Kimber Pharmacy until his graduation
from Greene Central School in 1966; he went on to pursue his dream,
earning a degree from Union University's Albany College of Pharmacy in
1971; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his studies, Stephen Koerts and his
new bride, the former Ruthie Sykora, returned to Greene, where he
continued to work at Kimber Pharmacy until purchasing the store and
changing its name to Koerts Pharmacy in 1973; and

WHEREAS, Stephen Koerts joined the Greene Fire Department in 1971,
and two years later he joined the Greene Fire Department Emergency
Squad; that same year, he completed his original Federal EMT which was
issued out of the Metro Office of New York City; additionally, in 1981,
he became a Critical-Care EMT; and

WHEREAS, During this time, prior to the creation of dispatch
centers, the Koerts' family's home was a host to the fire phone,
receiving emergency calls for Greene Fire and Greene EMS; it was then
their duty to dispatch the call and alert the rest of the squad; and

WHEREAS, A truly exceptional member of the community, Stephen Koerts
has selflessly served as a volunteer with the Greene EMS squad for more
than four decades; throughout his illustrious tenure he has held all
officer positions including Treasurer, Secretary, 2nd Lieutenant, 1st
Lieutenant and Captain; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he has been instrumental in the success of
many ambulance fundraisers and countless trainings; and

WHEREAS, Today, Stephen Koerts serves as Greene Emergency Squad's
Treasurer and continues to give tirelessly of his time and energies to
this vital lifesaving organization; and

WHEREAS, On many occasions, Stephen Koerts has acted with bravery
and steady precision in dealing with the risk and drama of emergency
situations; and

WHEREAS, In the performance of his duties, Stephen Koerts has
demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare of others;
he is a tremendous asset to his EMS Unit and a distinguished citizen of
the State and Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Stephen Koerts upon the occasion of his retirement after
more than 45 years of distinguished service to the Greene Emergency
Squad; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Stephen Koerts.