LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Ex-Captain William Renten upon the
occasion of being named the 2015 Firefighter of the Year by the River-
head Fire Department on May 13, 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 Ex-Captain William
Renten upon the occasion of being named the 2015 Firefighter of the Year
by the Riverhead Fire Department, to be celebrated at its Annual Dinner
on May 13, 2016, at East Wind Caterers, Wading River, New York; and
WHEREAS, This valiant firefighter is being recognized for his heroic
efforts on January 29, 2015, saving the life of an unconscious occupant
within the residence of a Middle Road structure fire; and
WHEREAS, Without hesitation or concern for his own safety, William
"JR" Renten instinctually entered the building and began searching for
the victim; after finding the unconscious man, JR called for help from
his fellow firefighters and they helped drag the man through two narrow
doorways and out of the burning house, saving his life; and
WHEREAS, William Renten should be meritoriously commended for remain-
ing calm under pressure and for showing valor and true courage while
performing a lifesaving deed; and
WHEREAS, Through his spontaneous and heroic actions, William Renten
demonstrated his character and his compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of his actions, the collective concern of ordi-
nary citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily
respond without the thought of danger or reward when others are in need
of help; 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; William
Renten is such a firefighter; throughout his devoted service, this
volunteer heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those
responsibilities which define the task of fire protection; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Ex-Captain William Renten upon the occasion of being named the
2015 Firefighter of the Year by the Riverhead Fire Department on May 13,
2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ex-Captain William Renten.