Senate Resolution No. 638

BY: Senator BROOKS

HONORING ex-Chief Brian Gassen upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition after 25
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 ex-Chief
Brian Gassen upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 25 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, Brian Gassen joined the North Lindenhurst Fire Department
as a Junior Member in 1992, remaining in that position for six years;
during that time he was elected both Lieutenant and Secretary Treasurer;
and

WHEREAS, Upon the recommendation by Junior Advisors, on November 11,
1996, Brian Gassen began following in his father's footsteps to become a
member of the North Lindenhurst Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, After completing all training requirements, Brian Gassen
obtained his fire school certificate and was permanently assigned to
Engine Company No. 2 in 1997; and

WHEREAS, In 2000, Brian Gassen attended West Virginia University
while continuing to fulfill his firefighting duties and
responsibilities; his accomplishments both within and outside of the
department, are numerous and notable; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure, Brian Gassen has held
several positions within the department, including 1st Lieutenant,
2003-2004; Captain of Engine Company No. 2, 2005-2007; 2nd Deputy Chief,
2007-2009; 1st Deputy Chief, 2009-2011; Chief of Department, 2011-2013;
2nd Vice-President, 2018-2019; and 1st Vice-President, 2020-2021; and

WHEREAS, After more than two decades of steadfast and unwavering
service, Brian Gassen's respect for leadership, dedicated support and
determined efforts continue to contribute to successful achievements
within the North Lindenhurst Fire Department; 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;
Brian Gassen is one such firefighter; throughout 25 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 ex-Chief Brian Gassen upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 25 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 ex-Chief Brian Gassen.