LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Howard Rutherig, Jr. upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition after 60 years of dedicated
service to the Lindenhurst 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 Howard Rutherig,
Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after
60 years of dedicated service to the Lindenhurst Fire Department, to be
celebrated at its Annual Installation Dinner, on Saturday, May 9, 2015,
at the Hilton Long Island, Melville, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born in Amityville, New York, Howard Rutherig, Jr. was raised
in Lindenhurst, New York, and attended its local public schools; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1955, Howard Rutherig, Jr. became a dedicated
member of Breslau Engine Company No. 1 of the Lindenhurst Fire Depart-
ment; today, he remains an active participant of this vital organiza-
tion; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure with the Lindenhurst Fire Department,
Howard Rutherig, Jr. has held several leadership positions, including
Captain and Fire Council member for three terms; in addition, he served
on both the German Festival Committee and on the Truck Committee, which
involved the purchase of fire vehicles 1-6-3 and 1-6-11; and
WHEREAS, Howard Rutherig, Jr. is a life member of the "Snails" Drill
Team, and a representative of the Fireman's Association of New York
(FASNY); and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Mary, and their four
children, Howard III, Alan, Kim and Barbara, as well as their 11 grand-
children, 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; Howard
Rutherig, Jr. is such a firefighter; throughout 60 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 Howard Rutherig, Jr. upon the occasion of his desig-
nation for special recognition after 60 years of dedicated service to
the Lindenhurst Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Howard Rutherig, Jr.