LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Donald Oakley posthumously
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition for 34
years of dedicated service to the Grand Gorge 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 Donald
Oakley posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition for 34 years of dedicated service to the Grand Gorge Fire
Department; and
WHEREAS, In memory of this outstanding firefighter, the Grand Gorge
Fire Department will dedicate its new pavilion in honor of Donald Oakley
and his many magnanimous contributions to the department; and
WHEREAS, Beginning his firefighter career as a junior member, Donald
Oakley worked his way up the ranks over his 34 years with the depart-
ment; he eventually served as Assistant Chief and in 2006, was recog-
nized as Fireman of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Donald Oakley was a committed firefighter and devoted commu-
nity member who gave of his time and energies to protect the community
from the dangers of fire; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his role as Assistant Chief with the Grand
Gorge Fire Department, Donald Oakley was employed with Oakley Farm in
Grand Gorge, New York; and
WHEREAS, A member of the National Rifle Association, the North Ameri-
can Hunters Association, and Ducks Unlimited, Donald Oakley was an avid
outdoorsman who loved hunting, barbecuing, logging, and excavating; and
WHEREAS, Donald Oakley was also known to cater local parties with his
famous pig roasts and chicken barbecues; his help and expertise have
made the Grand Gorge Fire Department chicken barbecues one of the high-
lights of the summer season in the community; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by one brother, James R. Oakley, Donald Oakley is
survived by his loving wife Kathy Oakley; his parents, Clifton and Grace
Oakley; two sisters, Jane Madore and Kathy Alle; one brother, Charles
Oakley; his two sons, Robert and Jeffrey Oakley; one daughter-in-law,
Nicole; and his grandson, Skyler; 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; Donald
Oakley was one such 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
commend Firefighter Donald Oakley posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition for 34 years of dedicated service to
the Grand Gorge Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Donald Oakley.