LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Joseph Festa upon the
occasion of being named Volunteer Firefighter of the Year by the Massa-
pequa Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pride in acknowledging those
esteemed individuals within the State of New York who distinguish them-
selves in service to their community; 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Firefighter Joseph Festa upon the occasion of being named Volunteer
Firefighter of the Year by the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce to be
celebrated at its Awards Ceremony on Thursday, February 25, 2016, at Big
Daddy's Restaurant in Massapequa, New York; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Festa began his illustrious career with Massapequa
Fire Department Company No. 1 on October 27, 1969; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated volunteer for over four decades, Firefighter
Joseph Festa has served as Department Secretary for many years, and has
been a member of numerous fire committees; and
WHEREAS, In his selection as Firefighter of the Year, Joseph Festa
truly exemplifies the collective concern of ordinary people across the
community of New York State who voluntarily respond without the thought
of danger or reward when others are in need of help; 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, 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; Joseph
Festa is such a firefighter; throughout his 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 Joseph Festa upon the occasion of being named Volun-
teer Firefighter of the Year by the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Joseph Festa.