LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Former Fire Chief Richard Aquino upon
the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years
of dedicated service to the Swormville 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 professional
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 Former Fire Chief
Richard Aquino upon the occasion of his designation for special recogni-
tion after 50 years of dedicated service to the Swormville Fire Depart-
ment; he was honored at the Department's Annual Installation Dinner in
February of 2014; and
WHEREAS, Professional firefighters and fire departments not only
provide the critical service of fire protection but also engage in other
activities of great benefit and importance to the communities they
serve; and
WHEREAS, Richard Aquino graduated from Williamsville High School in
1956, he then served his country as a member of the United States Army
in Germany, and later in the Coast Guard Reserve; and
WHEREAS, Upon returning from military service, this remarkable man
joined the Williamsville Fire Department, where he served for two years
before joining the Swormville Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, In 1960, Richard Aquino began his career with Capital
Airlines which would later become United Airlines; he diligently worked
for United as supervisor of customer service for 34 years; and
WHEREAS, Former Chief Richard Aquino has been a dedicated and valued
member of the Swormville Fire Department during his distinguished 50
year career; and
WHEREAS, He served admirably as Chief of the Department from 1975 to
1979 and has held numerous important positions during his lifetime with
the Fire Company; and
WHEREAS, Richard Aquino is a founding member of the Amherst Past
Chiefs Association and currently serves as President of the Swormville
Fire Company; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Geraldine, and their
two children, Susan and Richard, all of whom feel privileged to share in
Richard Aquino's life and rejoice in his 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; Richard
Aquino is such a firefighter; throughout his 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 Richard Aquino upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition for 50 years of distinguished service to the
Swormville Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard Aquino.