LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending former Captain John Kurpetski upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of
dedicated service to the Riverhead Fire Department on May 10, 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 former Captain John
Kurpetski upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Riverhead Fire Department to
be celebrated on Tuesday, May 10, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Since May 6, 1966, John Kurpetski has been a dedicated member
of the Riverhead Fire Department and the Washington Engine Company No.
2; and
WHEREAS, Over the last five decades, John Kurpetski has held several
leadership positions at the Washington Engine Company No. 2 including
2nd Lieutenant from 1992-1993, 1st Lieutenant from 1994-1995, and
Captain from 1996-1997; 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
Kurpetski is such a firefighter; throughout 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 former Captain John Kurpetski for 50 years of distinguished
service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to former Captain John Kurpetski.