LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Firefighter Jim Ficht upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition after 30 years of dedicated
service to the Floral Park Centre Fire Company

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 Firefighter Jim Ficht
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 30
years of dedicated service to the Floral Park Centre Fire Company, to be
celebrated at its 91st Installation Dinner on Friday, June 10, 2016; 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, Jim Ficht has served the Floral Park Centre Fire Company in
several capacities including as its Treasurer; 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, With him throughout have been his wife, Joan, and their three
children, Kevin, Michael and Cathleen, all of whom feel privileged to be
a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; 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; Jim
Ficht is such a firefighter; throughout 30 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 Firefighter Jim Ficht upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 30 years of dedicated service to the Floral
Park Centre Fire Company; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Jim Ficht.