LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring outgoing Chief Dan McConnell upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after many years of
dedicated service to the Halesite 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 outgoing Chief Dan
McConnell upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after many years of dedicated service to the Halesite Fire Department,
to be celebrated at its 115th Annual Installation of Officers on Satur-
day, April 16, 2016, at the Huntington Crescent Club, Huntington, 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, Dan McConnell began his illustrious firefighting career in
the early 1980s when he joined Halesite Fire Department's Junior Fire-
fighter program; as a junior he learned the tradition, culture, and the
many tools and tactics of fire service; and
WHEREAS, In July of 1985, at just 18 years old, Dan McConnell was
sworn into Halesite Fire Department's Engine Company; upon graduating
high school, he went away to school and ultimately graduated with a
degree in Economics from Boston College; and
WHEREAS, After being recruited by a national insurance company to be
part of a sales training program in 1989, Dan McConnell left the Depart-
ment for a few years when his early employment led him to live outside
of the Halesite Fire District; and
WHEREAS, Dan McConnell rejoined the Department with the Hose Rescue
Company in October of 1993; just three years later he was elected Lieu-
tenant, followed by Captain in 1998; he would serve two separate terms
as Captain, the first from 1998 to March of 2002, and the second from
December 2002 until he was elected 2nd Assistant Chief in 2006; and
WHEREAS, In December of 2012, Dan McConnell was elected Chief of
Department, during which time he worked closely with his Assistant
Chiefs, Officers and the Board of Fire Commissioners to tackle many
projects including the implementation of new technology, expanding the
tools used to manage the Department and its membership, recruitment and
retention initiatives, re-launching the Junior Firefighter program and
establishing a continuing education program for EMT's; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he assisted in distributing nearly 600 combina-
tion carbon monoxide/smoke detectors to local residents as a result of
the District receiving a FEMA grant; 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; outgo-
ing Chief Dan McConnell is such a firefighter; throughout his 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
honor outgoing Chief Dan McConnell upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after many years of dedicated service to the
Halesite Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to outgoing Chief Dan McConnell.