LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter John F. Waldron upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 65 years of
dedicated service to the Port Henry 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, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Firefighter John F.
Waldron upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 65 years of dedicated service to the Port Henry Fire Department to
be celebrated at its Annual Firemen's Banquet on Saturday, June 21,
2014, at King's Inn, Port Henry, New York; and
WHEREAS, John F. Waldron, affectionately known as Jack, joined and was
accepted into the L.F. Sprague Hose Company in September of 1948; he
served in the capacity of Junior Fireman until his graduation from Port
Henry High School in 1951; and
WHEREAS, In May of 1951, John F. Waldron became an active and official
member of the L.F. Sprague Hose Company; and
WHEREAS, For four years, August 1951 through August 1955, John F.
Waldron entered the Armed Services and served his country as a member of
the United States Navy; and
WHEREAS, Upon his return, John F. Waldron continued on with his spirit
and service to his community, and in April of 1965, both the L.F. Spra-
gue and G.R. Sherman Hose Companies decided to combine forces to become
known as the Port Henry Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of 65 years of remarkable service to the Port
Henry Fire Department, John F. Waldron has served as 1st Assistant Chief
for 19 years; as a result of his efforts, dedication, and knowledge, he
was elected Fire Chief in 1991, and held that position until April 2004;
and
WHEREAS, Today, John F. Waldron remains active in the Port Henry Fire
Department, fulfilling the role of department Safety Officer; and
WHEREAS, Aside from his illustrious career in the volunteer fire
service, during the mid-fifties to late sixties, John F. Waldron was
gainfully employed by Currier Motors, Port Henry Oil Corporation, and
the International Paper Company; and
WHEREAS, On January 29, 1969, John F. Waldron was fortunate to combine
his love of the fire service by converting it into a professional
career; on this date, he joined the Department of Defense, Plattsburgh
Air Force Base as a Firefighter; and
WHEREAS, One year later, John F. Waldron was quickly promoted to
Station Chief, and in 1972, he was again promoted to Assistant Chief of
Operations, Crash and Structural, serving in this role for a period of
five years; in 1977, he was appointed Assistant Chief of Technical
Services, Fire Prevention and Investigation; and
WHEREAS, During this tenure, John F. Waldron also acted as Fire Chief
during any absences of the Base Chief; in March of 1989, he retired from
the Plattsburgh Air Force Base with over 20 proud years of service; and
WHEREAS, In addition to pursuing his fire service career, John F.
Waldron actively participated in many volunteer organizations, including
charter member of the Town of Moriah Ambulance Squad, active supporter
of the Moriah Central School Booster Club for Athletes, member of the
Port Henry Council No. 384 Knights of Columbus, member of the Veterans

of Foreign Wars Mineville Post No. 5802, and member of the American
Legion Post No. 14 of Vergennes, Vermont; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional man's name is synonymous with his fire
service, and he will always be respected for his time, effort, and
service he has provided to the Port Henry community; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife Peg, and their four
children, Tammy, Toni, John, and Jimmy, as well as 11 grandchildren, all
of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; 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; John F.
Waldron is such a firefighter; throughout 65 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 John F. Waldron upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 65 years of dedicated service to the Port
Henry Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter John F. Waldron.