LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Firefighter Don Spaeth upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor
bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Firefighter
Don Spaeth upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liber-
ty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by a
resolution in 2014 and is awarded to individuals who have merited
special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on
behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Don Spaeth has dedicated 50 years of distin-
guished service to the Union Vale Fire Company; 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; Don
Spaeth is such a firefighter; throughout 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; and
WHEREAS, Individuals such as Firefighter Don Spaeth devoted to improv-
ing the quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of
dignity and self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recogni-
tion; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Firefighter Don Spaeth upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an indi-
vidual by the New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Don Spaeth.