LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Richard L. Hall upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 57 years of
dedicated service to Keene Valley Hose and Ladder Company No. 1

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 Richard
L. Hall upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 57 years of dedicated service to Keene Valley Hose and Ladder
Company No. 1 to be celebrated on Monday, November 4, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Born on February 4, 1935, Richard L. Hall has been the owner
of Valley Grocery for 44 years; for 16 years, he served his community as
a Councilman for the Town of Keene, and was a member of the Keene
Central School Board of Education for seven years as well as the Keene
Youth Commission Board for 20 years; and
WHEREAS, In addition to serving as a dedicated member of Keene Valley
Hose and Ladder Company No. 1 since 1956, Richard L. Hall held numerous
positions such as Fire Chief for 27 years, Fire Police Chief for 15
years, and member of the Board of Directors for 16 years; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Richard L. Hall is also a 40 year member of the
Keene Valley Hose and Ladder Company No. 1 Ambulance Squad, and the
Keene Valley Rod and Gun Club for 54 years; 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; Richard
L. Hall is such a firefighter; throughout 57 years of devoted service,
this volunteer heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty,
those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Joan, and their three
children, Richard A. Hall, Ronald C. Hall, and Carol H. Reed, all of
whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Firefighter Richard L. Hall for 57 years of distinguished
service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Richard L. Hall.