Assembly Resolution No. 970

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

HONORING Fire Chief David L. Gratch upon the
occasion of his retirement after nearly 36 years of
distinguished service to the Rome Fire Department

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Fire Chief David L. Gratch upon the occasion of his retirement after
nearly 36 years of distinguished service to the Rome Fire Department to
take place on April 3, 2026; 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, For nearly 36 years, David L. Gratch has rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to the Rome Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, David L. Gratch joined the Rome Fire Department on May 5,
1990; and

WHEREAS, As a member of the fire department, David L. Gratch served
as a fire investigator, training officer and hazmat specialist; and

WHEREAS, David L. Gratch led Rome's branch of the Oneida County
Hazmat Team, and was instrumental in establishing the department's drone
team; and

WHEREAS, David L. Gratch rose through the ranks as lieutenant,
captain, deputy chief and administrative deputy chief; he was appointed
fire chief on March 1, 2024; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as a fire chief in the department, David L.
Gratch served with loyalty, honor and distinction; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure of admirable service, David L. Gratch
continually demonstrated a high knowledge and understanding of
leadership, training, and educational roles with the department and his
crews; and

WHEREAS, In his official acts, David L. Gratch was governed by a
keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems;
and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Rome Fire Department, David L.
Gratch earned the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues;
and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his cherished wife, Kristie,
and beloved children, Rachael, Angela, and Dominick, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his many
achievements; 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;
David L. Gratch is one such firefighter; throughout nearly 36 years of
devoted service, he heroically performed, above and beyond the call of
duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection,
and is justly worthy of this recognition and the many joyful years of
retirement in his future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Fire Chief David L. Gratch upon the occasion of his retirement
after nearly 36 years of distinguished service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Fire Chief David L. Gratch.