Senate Resolution No. 2294

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Lawrence A. Dwon posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Lawrence
A. Dwon posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Born on May 20, 1945, to Larry and Mary Dwon in New York
City, Lawrence A. Dwon proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corp
on March 1, 1966; he valiantly served overseas in Vietnam in 1967 and
earned the rank of Corporal; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service as a Rifle Marksman during the
Vietnam War, Lawrence A. Dwon was awarded the National Defense Service
Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, Vietnam Campaign
Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on February 29,
1968, Lawrence A. Dwon attended Utah State University, graduating with a
bachelor's degree in fine arts in 1973; he married the love of his life,
Christine, on May 17, 1975, and the couple moved to West Kill, New York,
in 1985; and

WHEREAS, Lawrence A. Dwon was a professional photographer, working
in freelance as well as for a commercial design firm; he also taught
photography for many years; and

WHEREAS, In addition to being self-employed in Greene County for 20
years with a successful lawn maintenance business, Lawrence A. Dwon
managed Hunter Mountain Ski Shop and Snow Bird Ski Shops during the
winter months; and

WHEREAS, A man of indomitable faith and dedication, Lawrence A. Dwon
was an active member of the West Kill United Methodist Church, where he
served as a Trustee from 1985 to 1989; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Lawrence A. Dwon gave of his time and energies to the
Lexington Fire Department for many years, tirelessly serving his town
and Greene County in an effort to make it a better, safer place; he was

a member of the Greene County Volunteer Firemen's Association from 1985
to 2005, and was also a member of the Greene County Fire Chiefs; he
served as President of the Greene County Fire Investigation Team, and as
the Code Enforcement Officer and Fire Warden for the Town of Lexington;
and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he initiated the Junior Firefighters Program
which saw young residents, including his two sons Matthew and Paul, and
daughter-in-law Liza, step forward to heed the call of the volunteer;
and

WHEREAS, Lawrence A. Dwon served as Fire Chief from 1992 to 1995,
and again from 1997 until his death on October 15, 2005, at the age of
60; and

WHEREAS, Lawrence A. Dwon was a man whose heart was committed to
doing the right thing the right way; he served his beloved town
unselfishly and well; he leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who
were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who risked their
lives for their beloved Nation; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Lawrence A. Dwon demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Lawrence A. Dwon posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Lawrence A. Dwon.