LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and valiant service of
Franklin Fire Department Fourth Assistant Chief James C. Wilber who died
in the line of duty on February 9, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery every
day in the course of their duties; 58 year-old James C. Wilber was one
such firefighter who died doing what he loved; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 7, 1955 in Oneonta, James C. Wilber was the son
of Frederick W. and Dorothy J. (Safford) Wilber; he married his loving
wife, Susan Atcher on October 12, 1974; and
WHEREAS, James C. Wilber, affectionately known as Jim, retired in 2008
after serving many years as a machinist for Amphenol Corp. in Sidney; he
was a member of the Franklin Fire Department and Emergency Squad for 39
years, and was currently serving as Fourth Assistant Chief, a position
he held for more than a decade; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his time with Franklin Fire Department, James C.
Wilber was a member of Wells Bridge Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, With more than four decades as a Volunteer Firefighter, James
C. Wilber was devoted to fire service and participated in numerous
seminars and training events throughout the country; in addition, he was
an avid hunter and outdoorsman; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father, Frederick W. Wilber, and his
brother, Douglas Wilber, James C. Wilber is survived by his wife, Susan
Wilber; his mother, Dorothy Wilber; his son, Ken (Amanda) Wilber; his
sister, Debbie Gross; his uncles, Earl (Alice) Wilber and Halsey (Donna)
Wilber; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins; and
WHEREAS, The Franklin Fire Department family will always remember this
outstanding man for the hard work and dedication he showed the fire
company as well as the community, but most importantly, for his quality
of character; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Fourth Assistant Chief James C. Wilber
touched many through his kindness and commitment to service, and, as we
recall the loss of this great man, we memorialize his remarkable life
and the enormous impact he had on everyone with whom he came in contact;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its grate-
ful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of this
courageous firefighter who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family and community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the life and valiant service of Franklin Fire Department
Fourth Assistant Chief James C. Wilber, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of James C. Wilber, Fourth Assistant Chief, Frank-
lin Fire Department.