Senate Resolution No. 4854

BY: Senator LAVALLE

COMMENDING ex-Chief Charlie Beckwith upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Shelter
Island Fire Department

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 ex-Chief Charlie
Beckwith upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Shelter Island Fire
Department to be celebrated at its Annual Installation of Officers
Dinner on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at the Pridwin Hotel, Shelter Island,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Ex-Charlie Beckwith served his country as a member of the
United States Army; he is retired from the Department of Public Works as
a Suffolk County Civil Servant; and

WHEREAS, A lifetime resident of Shelter Island, ex-Chief Charlie
Beckwith married his high school sweetheart, Ann, and together they are
the proud parents of two children, Stanley and Michelle; and

WHEREAS, Volunteer firefighters and fire departments not only
provide the critical service of fire protection but also engage in other
activities 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;
ex-Chief Charlie Beckwith is such a firefighter; throughout 50 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 ex-Chief Charlie Beckwith for 50 years of distinguished service;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to ex-Chief Charlie Beckwith.