Senate Resolution No. 663

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Chief Dennis Fields upon the
occasion of his retirement after 27 years of
decorated service to the Oneida Fire Department

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery every
day in the course of their duties; and

WHEREAS, 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 congratulate Chief
Dennis Fields upon the occasion of his retirement after 27 years of
decorated service to the Oneida Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State are renowned throughout
the Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the
arduous field of fire protection and prevention; and

WHEREAS, Chief Dennis Fields has consistently demonstrated a level
of commitment, dedication, integrity and professionalism which truly
exemplifies the mission of the Oneida Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Dennis Fields began his life of public service in 1991,
with the Griffiss Air Force Base Fire Department before joining the
Oneida Fire Department five years later in December of 1996; through the
years, he climbed the ranks to become Chief in 2018, the esteemed
position from which he will officially retire in May of 2023; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure, Chief Dennis Fields was
instrumental in fighting some of the city's largest fires, including the
Stanton Paper Box Co. fire, the CSX Transportation train derailment and
explosion, and the City Lanes fire; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in recognition of his heroic acts in saving
the life of a fellow firefighter, Chief Dennis Fields was awarded the
Charles V. Decker Medal of Valor, making him one of only two people in
the department's history to receive this award; and

WHEREAS, For nearly three decades, Chief Dennis Fields rendered
faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the Oneida Fire
Department, earning the admiration, esteem and affection of his
colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters such as Chief Dennis Fields unwaveringly serve
our great State with pride, valor, and integrity; this extraordinary
man's leadership and willingness to step up throughout his career has
truly set an example to be emulated by all; and

WHEREAS, Chief Dennis Fields is the epitome of the phrase "Living a
Life of Service"; the City and its Fire Department owe the Chief a debt

of gratitude that can never be repaid, nor will his distinguished
service ever be forgotten; 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;
Chief Dennis Fields is such a firefighter; throughout his years of
devoted service, this firefighter has 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
congratulate Chief Dennis Fields upon the occasion of his retirement
after 27 years of decorated service to the Oneida Fire Department; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Chief Dennis Fields.