LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Robert J. Beckwith upon
the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years
of dedicated service to the Wellsburg 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Firefighter Robert J. Beckwith upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the
Wellsburg Fire Department; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated
at a dinner to be held in his honor on Saturday, February 12, 2011, at
the Department's fire station; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Robert J, Beckwith commenced his career with the
Wellsburg Fire Department in March 1960; he served as Chief of the
Department for 11 years; and
WHEREAS, An electrician by trade, Firefighter Robert J. Beckwith also
served in the United States Air Force; 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; Robert
J. Beckwith is such a firefighter; throughout his many 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 Robert J. Beckwith upon the occasion of his desig-
nation for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to
the Wellsburg Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Robert J. Beckwith.