LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Charles R. Elmore upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Donald Schields Award by the Town of
Deerpark Police Benevolent Association 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 honor Charles R. Elmore
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Donald Schields
Award by the Town of Deerpark Police Benevolent Association celebrated
at its Annual Banquet on Saturday, March 19, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Charles R. Elmore received this auspicious award for his many
years of exceptional service to the community of Sparrowbush, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Charles R. Elmore was born on October 19, 1923, to Floyd and
Aleta Elmore in their home on Main Street in Sparrowbush, New York;
currently, he continues to live in the house next door to his late
parents' home; and
WHEREAS, As a young man, Charles R. Elmore worked in his father's coal
and lumber business; at the young age of 18, he was drafted into the
United States Army where he proudly served his country on the islands of
both New Caledonia and Guam during World War II before returning home as
a Corporal in 1946; and
WHEREAS, After his discharge, Charles R. Elmore returned to Sparrow-
bush and went back to working for his father during the day, and wheel-
ing in coal, firing boilers, and hanging molds at Gillinder Glass at
night; and
WHEREAS, It was during this time that Charles R. Elmore met the former
Vera May Batchler; the couple married, and happily raised a son and a
daughter in Sparrowbush; and
WHEREAS, Until about a year ago, Charles R. Elmore could be spotted
directing traffic regularly at any number of emergency scenes in the
Town of Deerpark; as he approaches the age of 93, the lifelong Sparrow-
bush volunteer has given up on-scene fire police duties, but remains
active as a 56-year member who has held every position in the Sparrow-
bush Engine Company; and
WHEREAS, Today, this dedicated public servant continues to drive daily
to the Main Street firehouse to keep it tidied up, and serves alongside
his fellow volunteers at the department's monthly fundraising breakfast;
and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his son, Roland, and his late
wife, Vera and daughter, Patricia; all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his accomplishments; 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; Charles
R. Elmore is such a firefighter; throughout more than 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
honor Charles R. Elmore upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the Donald Schields Award by the Town of Deerpark Police Benevo-
lent Association on March 19, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Charles R. Elmore.