LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Donald Cooke for his hero-
ic efforts as a member of the Delmar Fire Department upon the occasion
of being honored by the Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post No. 1040 of the
American Legion at its Community Service Awards Reception

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 Firefighter Donald
Cooke for his heroic efforts as a member of the Delmar Fire Department
upon the occasion of being honored by the Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post
No. 1040 of the American Legion at its 35th Annual Community Service
Awards Reception on Monday, March 2, 2015, Delmar, 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, 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; Donald
Cooke is such a firefighter; throughout many 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 Firefighter Donald Cooke for his heroic efforts as a member of
the Delmar Fire Department upon the occasion of being honored by the
Nathaniel Adams Blanchard Post No. 1040 of the American Legion; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Donald Cooke.