Senate Resolution No. 3613

BY: Senator JACOBS

HONORING John Bernas upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2018 Service Award
by the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble volunteer firefighters who exhibit courage and
bravery every day in the course of their duties; and

WHEREAS, Volunteer 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John Bernas
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2018 Service
Award by the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., to be celebrated at
its Annual Installation Dinner; and

WHEREAS, Since its incorporation in 1933, the dedicated members of
the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company have provided the residents of its
fire protection district with an adequate and timely response to their
fire or medical emergency; and

WHEREAS, Through the last 85 years, the Company has accomplished
numerous goals and seen many changes and improvements including the
formation of a Ladies Auxiliary; the construction of a large hall; the
purchase of a 1928 LaFrance Pumper, Port-A-Power Unit, and a generator
for the rescue truck; and the formation of an Emergency First Aid Squad
and Junior Firemen; as well as updating of firefighting equipment and
procedures; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company responds to over
1,000 fire and EMS calls annually; in addition, the Company provides
mutual aid assistance and support during natural disasters, major
catastrophes, or police-related emergencies; and

WHEREAS, Through a combination of diligent efforts to attain modern
efficiency, constant training and the tireless and devoted service of
the firefighters, the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company has emerged as a
leader in the cause of fire prevention; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters unwaveringly serve our great State with pride,
valor, and integrity; these respected volunteers are often the first to
respond to an emergency, whether the emergency is a fire, transportation
accident, natural disaster, act of terrorism, medical crisis, or spill
of hazardous materials; 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;
John Bernas is such a firefighter; 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 John Bernas upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2018 Service Award by the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John Bernas.