LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Past Chief Joseph Bankston upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after many years of
dedicated service to the Florida Fire Department and Rescue Squad

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 Past Chief Joseph
Bankston upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after many years of dedicated service to the Florida Fire Department and
Rescue Squad, to be celebrated at its Annual Inspection Dinner and
Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 12, 2014; 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, Joseph Bankston joined the Florida Fire Department and Rescue
Squad in March of 1998 and was the proud recipient of the William Pill-
meier Award in 1999; and
WHEREAS, After serving as an Auxiliary Officer in 2005, Joseph Bank-
ston was promoted through the ranks to the esteemed position of Chief, a
position he held from January of 2011 through December of 2013; 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; Joseph
Bankston is such a 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 Past Chief Joseph Bankston upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after many years of dedicated service to the
Florida Fire Department and Rescue Squad; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Past Chief Joseph Bankston.