Senate Resolution No. 2083

BY: Senator MARTINS

HONORING outgoing Chief John D. Chester upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
after many years of dedicated service to the
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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor outgoing
Chief John D. Chester upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after many years of dedicated service to the 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, John D. Chester has consistently demonstrated a level of
commitment, dedication, integrity and professionalism which truly
exemplifies excellence in the volunteer service; and

WHEREAS, A member of the Williston Park Fire Department since
November 8, 1995, John D. Chester climbed the ranks to become 2nd
Lieutenant (2003-05, 2010-12, 2015-17), 1st Lieutenant (2005-06,
2012-13, 2017-19), and Captain (2006-08, 2013-15, 2019-20); he went on
to serve as 2nd Assistant Chief (2020-22), 1st Assistant Chief
(4/2022-7/2022) and Chief of Department (7/2022-4/2024); 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 D. Chester 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 outgoing Chief John D. Chester upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition after many years of dedicated
service to the Williston Park Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to outgoing Chief John D. Chester.