LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Firefighter John Maes upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition after 40 years of dedicated
service to North Lindenhurst 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 honor Firefighter John Maes
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 40
years of dedicated service to North Lindenhurst Fire Department, to be
celebrated at its 59th Annual Installation Dinner on Saturday, April 2,
2016, at the Hyatt Regency, Hauppauge, New York; 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, A lifelong resident of Lindenhurst, John Maes joined the
North Lindenhurst Fire Department on September 4, 1976; he was an active
firefighter in Hook, Ladder and Engine Company No. 3 when his service
with the department was interrupted due to his commitment to the United
States Marines; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, John Maes
returned to active duty with North Lindenhurst Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious firefighting career, John Maes
climbed the ranks and served in several capacities on the Executive
Board including 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President and President; he
was also a member of the New York State Drill Team Champion Piston
Knockers; and
WHEREAS, John Maes' spirit of service to his fellow citizens was truly
demonstrated during the World Trade Center tragedy; he courageously
joined a group of volunteers and responded to ground zero where he
assisted residents in retrieving their personal belongings and pets; 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, Firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and the
strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic
magnitude; their sacrifices and their selfless dedication merit tribute
and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and
WHEREAS, Many firefighters have lost their lives to save the lives of
others; each and every day, they face danger and peril without fear and
perform their job with the utmost concern and professionalism; 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
Maes is such a firefighter; throughout 40 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, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Firefighter John Maes upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 40 years of dedicated service to North Linden-
hurst Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter John Maes.