Senate Resolution No. 1813

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMENDING Fire Commissioner John Henry Lewis, Sr.
posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by the Orange County
Volunteer Fire Police Association on May 11, 2017

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, Fire Commissioner John Henry Lewis, Sr. heroically
performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those responsibilities
which define the task of fire protection for more than six decades; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Fire
Commissioner John Henry Lewis, Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Orange County Volunteer Fire
Police Association to be celebrated at its Candlelight Memorial Service
on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at the Coldenham Fire Department in Walden,
New York; and

WHEREAS, John Henry Lewis, Sr. of Campbell Hall, New York, died on
December 1, 2016, at the age of 87; and

WHEREAS, John Henry Lewis, Sr. was born in Ringwood, New Jersey, on
September 21, 1929, to Leroy and Ida Lewis; and

WHEREAS, John Henry Lewis, Sr. proudly served his country as a First
Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War; after his
discharge, he returned to New York and worked with Laborers' Local 754
for 53 years; and

WHEREAS, For numerous years, John Henry Lewis, Sr. was a vital
member of the Otterkill Engine and Hose Company in Campbell Hall, New
York; in addition, he served in the Fire Police for 29 years, and held
the title of Hamtonburgh Fire Commissioner for 26 years; and

WHEREAS, John Henry Lewis, Sr., with his zest for life, has inspired
and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; he has enriched the
lives of those around him through his joyous and sincere love for others
and through the quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a
fullness of years; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Ernest and Leo
Lewis; and one sister, Martha Lewis, John Henry Lewis, Sr. is survived
by his wife, Eileen E. Lewis; two sons, Kenneth Lewis and John H. Lewis,
Jr.; one brother, LeRoy Lewis; three sisters, Ida Hewitt, Bertha Smith,
and Gloria Siegmund; seven grandchildren, Kelly, Heather, Brittany, John
Henry III, Steven Patrick, Douglas William, Kenneth Thomas, Jr.; and

five great-grandchildren, Logan, Marcus, Isabella, Jaslyn, and Jace, as
well as a legion of fellow firefighters and friends who will long
cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, John Henry Lewis, Sr.
touched many through his kindness and commitment to service, and, as we
recall the loss of this great man, we memorialize his remarkable life
and the enormous impact he had on everyone with whom he came in contact;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of a
courageous firefighter who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family and community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Fire Commissioner John Henry Lewis, Sr. posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Orange County
Volunteer Fire Police Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Fire Commissioner John Henry Lewis, Sr.