Senate Resolution No. 2082

BY: Senator MARTINS

HONORING Ex-Chief John Clarke upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition after 50
years of dedicated service to Williston Park 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Ex-Chief John Clarke upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to Williston Park Fire
Department, to be celebrated at its 97th Annual Installation and
Inspection Dinner and Dance on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the
Milleridge Cottage in Jericho, New York; and

WHEREAS, Ex-Chief John Clarke has consistently demonstrated a level
of commitment, dedication, integrity and professionalism which truly
exemplifies excellence in the volunteer service; and

WHEREAS, 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, A member of the Williston Park Fire Department since March
18, 1974, John Clarke climbed the ranks to become: FASNY Delegate
(1976-1977 & 1994-1995), Nassau County Chiefs Delegate (1983), 2nd
Lieutenant of Company No. 2 (1984-1985), 1st Lieutenant of Company No. 2
(1989-1990), Captain of Company No. 2 (1990-1992), Warden of Company No.
2 (1983-1985 & 2008-2012 & 2018-Present), 2nd Assistant Chief
(2000-2002), 1st Assistant Chief (2002-2004), and Chief of Department
(2004-2006); 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;
Ex-Chief John Clarke is such a firefighter; throughout his 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 John Clarke for 50 years of distinguished service to
Williston Park Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ex-Chief John Clarke.