LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Gary Mathern upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of
dedicated service to the Jeffersonville 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 Firefighter Gary
Mathern upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Jeffersonville Fire Depart-
ment to be celebrated on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at the Rockland House
in Roscoe, New York; and
WHEREAS, Gary Mathern began his career with the Jeffersonville Fire
Department in 1966; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed firefighter rose through the ranks of the
Jeffersonville Fire Department to become an Engineer, Chief Engineer,
and Chief; he also ably served as a Commissioner and held the position
of Chairman for many years; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Gary Mathern also served as an extrication offi-
cer for many years and was instrumental in acquiring the Jaws of Life
accident victim extrication equipment for the department; and
WHEREAS, During his illustrious tenure, Firefighter Gary Mathern was
the recipient of numerous honors including the Jeffersonville Fire
Department's 1977 Fireman of the Year Award and the 1987 Fireman of the
Year Award from the Sullivan County Volunteer Firemen's Association for
his heroic actions at a working structure fire; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Myra, their daughter
Lisa, and granddaughter Olivia, as well as his mother, Anna Mathern, 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; Gary
Mathern is such a firefighter; throughout his 50 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 Gary Mathern upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the
Jeffersonville Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Gary Mathern.