Assembly Resolution No. 93

BY: M. of A. McMahon

HONORING Frank P. Raquet upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition after 50 years
of dedicated service to the East Amherst 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 selfless dedication
merit tribute and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Frank P.
Raquet upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the East Amherst Fire Department;
and

WHEREAS, Frank P. Raquet was born on April 5, 1956, and raised near
Transit Road in the Transit Fire Company's fire district; on April 5,
1974, his 18th birthday, he officially became a new member of the
Transit Fire Company, following a long line of family members who were
involved in the volunteer fire service; on April 1, 1992, the Company
was renamed the East Amherst Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Department, Frank P. Raquet has
faithfully served his community as Lieutenant, House Captain, President,
Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of
Directors; he was also a Member and Chairman of numerous projects and
committees; additionally, he was involved in the Department's softball,
bowling, and golf teams; and

WHEREAS, On November 3, 1984, Frank P. Raquet was seriously injured
while battling an arson fire, resulting in permanent injuries and
physical disabilities; however, he did not let the event deter his love
for the Department and a desire to help others, and he continues to be
an integral part of the operations of the East Amherst Fire Department;
his 50 years of service, dedication, and grit are true inspirations for
all; and

WHEREAS, Frank P. Raquet was the recipient of the Western New York
American Legion Community and Citizens Service Award in 1985 and the
East Amherst Fire Department's Chief's Award and President's Award in
1992; and

WHEREAS, Frank P. Raquet has consistently demonstrated a level of
commitment, dedication, integrity, and professionalism which truly
exemplifies excellence in the volunteer service; 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;
Frank P. Raquet 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 Frank P. Raquet upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the East Amherst Fire
Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Frank P. Raquet.