Senate Resolution No. 375

BY: Senator AKSHAR

CONGRATULATING Chief Rob Jacyna upon the occasion
of his retirement after more than 34 years of
distinguished service to the Johnson City 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 congratulate Chief
Rob Jacyna upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 34 years
of distinguished service to the Johnson City Fire Department; and

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, Rob Jacyna began his life of public service in October of
1986, with the Johnson City Fire Department where he spent the next 12
years as a firefighter before taking on the additional responsibility as
the department's master mechanic; and

WHEREAS, Promoted to Lieutenant in 1998, Rob Jacyna climbed the
ranks to become Captain in 2004, during which time he presided over
Group C for the next decade; in October of 2014, he received his final
promotion, stepping up to fill the long-vacated rank of Chief of
Department, the esteemed position from which he officially retired on
Friday, February 5, 2021; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as Fire Chief, Rob Jacyna ensured the
safety of both his fellow firefighters and the community-at-large; under
his able leadership, countless improvements were made, including the
replacement of 30-year old Tower 26; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, new Engine 26-1 and an EMS response vehicle
were purchased, all while maintaining adequate staffing and balancing an
extremely tight budget to ensure the Village of Johnson City and the
Hamlets of Westover and Fairmont Park continued to receive the same
consistent, high level of response they have come to expect; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
profession, Chief Rob Jacyna also spent many years on the Executive
Board of the Johnson City Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 921,
where he was instrumental in helping its members survive some of the
most tumultuous times in department history; and

WHEREAS, For more than three decades, Chief Rob Jacyna rendered
faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the Johnson City Fire

Department, earning the admiration, esteem and affection of his
colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters such as Chief Rob Jacyna unwaveringly serve
our great State with pride, valor, and integrity; this extraordinary
man's leadership and willingness to step up throughout his career has
truly set an example to be emulated by all; and

WHEREAS, Chief Rob Jacyna is the epitome of the phrase "Living a
Life of Service," as he spent more than half of his life protecting the
community in which he was born and raised, and where he would later
raise his own children; the Village and its Fire Department owe the
Chief a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, nor will his
distinguished service ever be forgotten; 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;
Chief Rob Jacyna is such a firefighter; throughout 34 years of devoted
service, this firefighter has 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
congratulate Chief Rob Jacyna upon the occasion of his retirement after
more than 34 years of distinguished service to the Johnson City Fire
Department, and to wish him well in all his future endeavors; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Chief Rob Jacyna.