LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Fire Chief Daniel Thomas upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 40 years of
dedicated service to the Binghamton 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 brave fire-
fighter 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 Fire Chief Daniel
Thomas upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 40 years of dedicated service to the Binghamton Fire Department;
he will officially retire on Saturday, April 9, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Daniel Thomas began his career with the Binghamton Fire
Department on November 29, 1975; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, this esteemed firefighter rose through the
ranks, becoming Fire Lieutenant in 1984, and Captain in 1987; he was
next promoted to Assistant Fire Chief in 1993, Deputy Chief in 1999, and
Chief of the Department in 2007; and
WHEREAS, During his illustrious tenure, Fire Chief Daniel Thomas over-
saw numerous updates to the department's firefighting apparatus fleet
and incorporated new safety technology and expanded training programs;
he was also involved in putting out such major blazes as the Midtown
Mall, Derby Knitting Mill, and Pa's Woodshed fires; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Fire Chief Daniel Thomas's leadership skills and
enthusiasm, have helped earn the Binghamton Fire Department a reputation
for being among the best in New York State; and
WHEREAS,Firefighters and fire departments not only provide the crit-
ical service of fire protection but also engage in other activities 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; Daniel
Thomas is such a firefighter; throughout his 40 years of devoted
service, this man 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 Fire Chief Daniel Thomas upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 40 years of dedicated service to the Bing-
hamton Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Fire Chief Daniel Thomas.