LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending John E. Flagler, Jr. upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition after 60 years of dedicated
service to the Slingerlands Fire Department on March 19, 2016

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 John E. Flagler,
Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after
60 years of dedicated service to the Slingerlands Fire Department to be
celebrated at its Annual Installation Dinner on Saturday, March 19,
2016; and
WHEREAS, On April 4, 1955, John E. Flagler, Jr., affectionately known
as Jack, joined the Slingerlands Fire Department at the young age of 18;
through the next 16 years, he rose through the ranks serving in every
position from Firefighter to 1st Assistant Chief; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Jack E. Flagler, Jr. held the position of Treas-
urer for 27 years and served as Financial Secretary; in this capacity,
he developed the Department's current fund drive program, managed seven
installation dinners and numerous community dances; and
WHEREAS, Jack E. Flagler, Jr. was also a member of the Slingerlands
Pussycats Firematic Drill Team and helped organize the Albany County
Mutual Aid Softball League, where he held the title of the first Treas-
urer; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Jack E. Flagler, Jr. continues to respond to calls
every day and regularly attends department drills and functions; as one
of the oldest and most knowledgeable members, he enjoys supporting and
guiding some of the younger members of the Slingerlands Fire Department;
and
WHEREAS, From 1954-1963, Jack E. Flagler, Jr. proudly served his coun-
try as a member of the United States Army National Guard 27th Infantry
Division, now known as the 27th Armored Division; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to the community in which he lives and a friend to
all, Jack E. Flagler, Jr. has tirelessly worked to sponsor annual golf
tournaments and functions to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House
Program in memory of his late son, John "Jake" G. Flagler; 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; John E.
Flagler, 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 John E. Flagler, Jr. for 60 years of distinguished
service to the Slingerlands Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John E. Flagler, Jr.