Senate Resolution No. 1814

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMENDING Firefighter James TenKate 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, Firefighter James TenKate 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
Firefighter James TenKate 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, James TenKate of Castleton-on-Hudson, New York, died on
January 4, 2017, at the age of 90; and

WHEREAS, James TenKate was born in Midland Park, New Jersey, on
August 29, 1926, to James and Margaret TenKate; and

WHEREAS, In 1954, James TenKate joined the Circleville Fire
Department; throughout his more than 60 years of service, he held
several positions within the Department including: Chief, President,
Treasurer, and Commissioner, and left active fire service as a Fire
Policeman; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his
Department and community, James TenKate was the first recipient of the
Circleville Fire Department Spirit Award; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his work with the Circleville Fire
Department, James TenKate was a vital member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and served as Treasurer for the Happy Seniors,
Town of Wallkill Seniors; and

WHEREAS, James TenKate had a long and distinguished career at the
Ford Motor Company of Mahwah, New Jersey, a position from which he
officially retired in 1983; and

WHEREAS, James TenKate, 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, When James TenKate was not serving his community, he
faithfully attended church, and loved to spend time with his beloved
friends and family; he also enjoyed playing golf, fishing, hunting, and
being outdoors; and

WHEREAS, James TenKate is survived by his wife of 68 years, Shirley
(Hulseapple) TenKate; his four sons, William A. (Linda) TenKate, Michael
J. (Maryann) TenKate, Raymond J. (Velicia) TenKate, and Kevin R.
TenKate; one sister, Jan (Bill) Zimmerman; nine grandchildren, and 19
great-grandchildren, as well as a legion of fellow firefighters and
friends who will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, James TenKate 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 Firefighter James TenKate 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 Firefighter James TenKate.