Assembly Resolution No. 21

BY: M. of A. McMahon

HONORING Past Chief Jon Kemp upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition after 50
years of dedicated service to the Main-Transit Fire
Department of Amherst, New York

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 Past Chief
Jon Kemp, upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Main-Transit Fire Department,
to be celebrated at its Annual Installation of Officers on Saturday,
February 1, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Jon Kemp was born and raised in the Town of Amherst, New
York; on August 19, 1974, he officially became a new member of the
Main-Transit Fire Department in Amherst; on that day, he embarked on a
five-decade career during which he served in several positions and
accomplished many endeavors within the Department; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Department, Jon Kemp has
faithfully served his community as Safety Officer, Fire Lieutenant, Fire
Captain (20 years), Assistant Chief (10 years), and Fire Chief (three
years); and

WHEREAS, Jon Kemp served on numerous committees with the purpose of
purchasing integral equipment and fire trucks; additionally, in the
service of the fire industry, he spent a large portion of his career
working for various vendors of fire equipment and emergency services
supplies; and

WHEREAS, For recreation, Jon Kemp has been a long-time member of the
Amherst Firefighters' Bowling League, and, as an avid golfer, has won
the annual Amherst Fire Council's golf tournament; and

WHEREAS, Jon Kemp exhibited his outstanding abilities in ladder
climbing events and was a long-time member of the Slo-Pokes Drill Team;
and

WHEREAS, An ardent proponent of first responder disability awareness
and training, Jon Kemp is Co-Founder and former Director of Creating
Hope Through Opportunity, Participation, and Empowerment (C-HOPE), a
non-profit organization which is dedicated to promoting inclusion,
providing innovative programming and opportunities, and empowering
adults with developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Jon Kemp has consistently demonstrated a level of
commitment, dedication, integrity, and professionalism which truly
exemplifies excellence in the volunteer service; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Judy, and his two
daughters, Alex and Emily, who have all shown him love and support and
rejoice in his many achievements; 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;
Jon Kemp 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 Past Chief Jon Kemp upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the
Main-Transit Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Past Chief Jon Kemp.