Assembly Resolution No. 721

BY: M. of A. Friend

COMMENDING Firefighter Paul T. Betts upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Southport
Fire Department

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 Paul T. Betts upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the Southport
Fire Department to be celebrated at its Annual Banquet in Elmira, New
York, on Saturday, February 15, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Paul T. Betts joined the Southport Fire Department in 1970;
throughout his 50 years of service, he has been a true pillar of
excellence with outstanding attendance and completing many state fire
training courses; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Paul T. Betts has been instrumental to the
success of department fundraisers and has performed chaplain duties when
needed; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout his illustrious 50-year career was his
late wife, Carol, and their 5 children, as well as countless foster
children, all of whom feel privileged to be part of and rejoice in his
many achievements; 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;
Paul T. Betts is such a firefighter; throughout his 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 Paul T. Betts upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the
Southport Fire Department; and be it further


RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Firefighter Paul T. Betts.