LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Thomas Rhein 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
1st Lieutenant Thomas Rhein upon the occasion of being named Volunteer
Firefighter of the Year by the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, to be
celebrated at its Awards Ceremony held on Thursday, February 25, 2016,
at Big Daddy's Restaurant in Massapequa, New York; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Rhein began his illustrious career with Massapequa
Fire Department Company No. 3 on January 14, 2008; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated volunteer for the past eight years, Firefighter
Thomas Rhein has attained the esteemed rank of 1st Lieutenant, and is
recognized for responding to the most calls in the Department in this
past year; and
WHEREAS, In his selection as Firefighter of the Year, Thomas Rhein
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; Thomas
Rhein 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 Thomas Rhein 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 Thomas Rhein.