LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Ken Sheldon upon the occa-
sion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedi-
cated service to the McDonough Volunteer Fire Department

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, Since the early days of "teapot steamers," the volunteer
firefighter has been the cornerstone of our great Nation's efforts to
spare us from the ravages of fire; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Firefighter Ken
Sheldon upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the McDonough Volunteer Fire
Department to be celebrated at its Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday,
March 21, 2009, at Fred's Inn in Norwich, New York; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Ken Sheldon, who is a past Chief, is very active
in both the Chenango County Fire Police Association and the Chenango
County Firefighters' Association; and
WHEREAS, Volunteer firefighters and fire departments not only provide
the critical service of fire protection but also engage in other activ-
ities of great benefit and importance to the communities they serve; 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; Ken
Sheldon is such a firefighter; throughout 50 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
commend Firefighter Ken Sheldon for 50 years of distinguished service;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Ken Sheldon.