Senate Resolution No. 2125

BY: Senator KAPLAN

COMMENDING ex-Chief Paul Gerner upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition after 50
years of dedicated service to the New Hyde Park Fire
Department

WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State are renowned throughout
the Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the
arduous field of fire protection and prevention; and

WHEREAS, Since the early days of "teapot steamers," the volunteer
firefighter has been the cornerstone of our great Nation's efforts to
spare us from the ravages of fire; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend outgoing ex-Chief
Paul Gerner upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the New Hyde Park Fire Department
to be celebrated at its Annual Inspection Dinner on Saturday, May 14,
2022, at Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury, New York; and

WHEREAS, Paul Gerner was appointed membership to the New Hyde Park
Fire Department on August 22, 1972, where he served as Deputy Chief and
Chief of the Department; he has also been an active member of the
Estates Engine Company No. 3, serving as Captain, 1st and 2nd Lieutenant
as well as Company Secretary; and

WHEREAS, Volunteer firefighters and fire departments not only
provide the critical service of fire protection but also engage in other
activities of great benefit and importance to the communities they
serve; 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;
Joseph Papa is one such firefighter; throughout his five decades 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 ex-Chief Paul Gerner for 50 years of distinguished service to
the New Hyde Park Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to ex-Chief Paul Gerner.