LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Herbert A. Burkhard upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition after more than 55 years of
dedicated service to the City of Poughkeepsie, New York

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 Herbert A. Burkhard
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after more
than 55 years of dedicated service to the City of Poughkeepsie, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Born in New York City on February 1, 1929, Herbert A. Burk-
hard enjoyed spending time with his father at the Hopewell Hose Company
in East Fishkill, New York; and
WHEREAS, As soon as he was eligible, Herbert A. Burkhard joined the
O.H. Booth Hose Company in Poughkeepsie in May of 1948; a few months
later, he enlisted in the United States Navy Construction Battalion; he
proudly served his country for four years as a member of the Fire
Department in Guam, and in the Maintenance Division on the Island of
Kwajalein in the South Pacific; and
WHEREAS, After his discharge in August of 1952, Herbert A. Burkhard
returned to Poughkeepsie and continued his volunteer service with the
O.H. Booth Hose Company for the next 10 years; and
WHEREAS, On February 8, 1958, Herbert A. Burkhard became employed in
his dream job as a City of Poughkeepsie Firefighter, an occupation he
held for 25 years; through the years, he rose through the ranks, holding
the title of Captain, a position from which he officially retired in
February of 1983; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Herbert A. Burkhard was a vital member
of the Fire Advisory Board of Directors, and the Poughkeepsie Code
Committee; in addition, he served as Assistant Cub Master for the Boy
Scouts; and
WHEREAS, After he and his wife moved to Granville, New York, Herbert
A. Burkhard held the role of Dutchess County Deputy Fire Coordinator
from February of 1983 through July of 1984; and
WHEREAS, In January of 1985, Herbert A. Burkhard joined the Penrhyn
Engine & Hose Company where he held numerous leadership positions
including Secretary and Treasurer; for over three decades, he has served
as Director of the Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, Today, at the age of 87, Herbert A. Burkhard remains a dedi-
cated Firefighter of the Penrhyn Engine & Hose Company, where he is
always ready to lend a hand and help with various activities; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife, Bernina, and
their five devoted children, Jay, Jennifer, Jill, Joel and Jane, all of
whom privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his accomplish-
ments; 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; Herbert
A. Burkhard is such a firefighter; throughout more than 55 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 Herbert A. Burkhard for more than 55 years of distinguished
service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Herbert A. Burkhard.