Senate Resolution No. 637

BY: Senator BROOKS

HONORING Firefighter John Maes upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition after 45
years of dedicated service to the North Lindenhurst
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 honor Firefighter
John Maes upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 45 years of dedicated service to the North Lindenhurst Fire
Department to be celebrated at its Annual Inspection/Installation Dinner
on Saturday, May 22, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter John Maes joined the North Lindenhurst Fire
Department on September 4, 1976, as an active Firefighter in Hook,
Ladder and Engine Company No. 3; his service to the department was
interrupted when he proudly served his country as a member of the United
States Marines; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his valiant military service, John
Maes returned to the North Lindenhurst Fire Department, where he has
held several positions on the Executive Board, including 2nd Vice
President, 1st Vice President and President; he was also a member of the
New York State Drill Team Champion, "Piston Knockers"; and

WHEREAS, John Maes' spirit of service to his fellow citizens was
truly demonstrated during the World Trade Center tragedy when he
organized a group of volunteers to respond to ground zero, assisting
residents in retrieving their personal belongings and pets, as well as
delivering donated supplies; 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;
John Maes is one such firefighter; throughout 45 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
honor Firefighter John Maes upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 45 years of dedicated service to the North
Lindenhurst Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Firefighter John Maes.