LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Ex-Captain Charles D. Cella upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of
distinguished service to the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 on
June 11, 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 Charles
D. Cella upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of distinguished service to the Atlantic Hook and Ladder
Company No. 1, to be celebrated at its 130th Annual Installation Dinner
on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club in Port
Washington, 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, Firefighter Charles D. Cella, a lifelong resident of Port
Washington, was elected to membership in the Atlantic Hook and Ladder
Company No. 1 on June 2, 1966; throughout his tenure, he held several
offices in the Company including Engineer and First and Second Lieuten-
ant; he worked his way up through the ranks and served in the esteemed
position of Captain in 1978 and 1979; and
WHEREAS, For an unprecedented 36 years, Firefighter Charles D. Cella
also served as a Trustee of the Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company No. 1;
and
WHEREAS, Following his graduation from Paul D. Schreiber High School
in 1958, Firefighter Charles D. Cella proudly served his country as a
member of the United States Army from 1958 through 1960, earning the
rank of Specialist Fourth Class; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Joyce, their three
children, and their four grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to
be part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; 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, 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; Fire-
fighter Charles D. Cella 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 Ex-Captain Charles D. Cella upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 50 years of distinguished service to the
Atlantic Hook and Ladder Company No. 1; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ex-Captain Charles D. Cella.