LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring former ex-Chief Tom Garland upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 35 years of
dedicated service to the Floral Park Centre Fire Company

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 honor ex-Chief Tom Garland
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 35
years of dedicated service to the Floral Park Centre Fire Company to be
celebrated at its Annual Installation Dinner on Friday, May 15, 2015, at
the New Hyde Park Inn, New Hyde Park, New York; and
WHEREAS, Tom Garland served as the Chief of Department in 1989 and
1990, and also served as President of the Floral Park Centre Fire Compa-
ny Board of Commissioners; in addition, he is retired from the New York
City Police Department; and
WHEREAS, Tom Garland was married to the late Louise, and is the loving
father of two children; he currently shares his life with Caroline; 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, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery
every day in the course of their duties; and
WHEREAS, Many firefighters have lost their lives to save the lives of
others; each and every day, they face danger and peril without fear and
perform their jobs with the utmost concern and professionalism; 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; Tom
Garland is such a firefighter; throughout his 35 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
honor former ex-Chief Tom Garland upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 35 years of dedicated service to the
Floral Park Centre Fire Company; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to ex-Chief Tom Garland.