LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Clifford C. Colgan, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

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, Clifford C. Colgan of Binghamton, New York, died on Monday,
July 9, 2012, at the age of 59; and
WHEREAS, Clifford C. Colgan distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, In 1971, Clifford C. Colgan began his career as a volunteer
firefighter and emergency medical technician for the Whitney Point Fire
Department; and
WHEREAS, He continued his education, receiving numerous degrees and
certificates of achievement from Broome Community College (Fire
Protection Technology, 1980), New York State Fire Academy at Montour
Falls, the New York City Fire Academy and the National Fire Academy at
Emmitsburg, Maryland; and
WHEREAS, Clifford C. Colgan was appointed to the Binghamton Fire
Department in 1977, retiring as Department Chief in 2007; and
WHEREAS, Chief Clifford C. Colgan's many accomplishments included
serving as a core participant in the development of the Binghamton Fire
Department Emergency Medical Services program in 1981 and, as Chief,
securing Department of Homeland Security Grants for equipment upgrades
and fire department services advancement; and
WHEREAS, Under Chief Clifford C. Colgan's luminous leadership, the
department saw improved collaboration with other municipal fire depart-
ments, as well as numerous upgrades and the expansion of the Binghamton
Fire Training Center, one of the only training centers in the region;
and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man was the recipient of seven Meritorious
Service Awards, EMT of the Year in 1987 and Broome County Firefighter of
the Year in 1986 for having made a life saving rescue; and
WHEREAS, Clifford C. Colgan's professional affiliations included New
York State Career Chiefs Association and Association of Fire Chiefs,
Broome County Fire Advisory Board, Fire Chiefs Association and Local
Emergency Planning Committee; and
WHEREAS, Clifford C. Colgan's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, He served as a Broome County Arson investigator and was a
member of the International Association of Arson Investigators; he was a
member of the Chenango Bridge Fire Department, the Franklin Township
Volunteer Fire Department, and the Franklin Township Lion's Club; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, Clifford C. Colgan established and operated Colgan
Chimney Services until retiring in 2011; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father, Charles Colgan, Clifford C. Colgan
is survived by his wife of 38 years, Nadine; daughter, Courtney (Chris-
topher) Ford; and grandson, Cole Francis Ford; surviving him also are
his mother, Iva Colgan; sister, Nancy Spisak and her children, Heidi,
Eric and Cory Spisak; sisters-in-law, Carol Ann Zurenda, Darlene
(Edward) Sneddon; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Clifford C. Colgan leaves behind a legacy which will long

endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Clifford C. Colgan, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Clifford C. Colgan.