Senate Resolution No. 4917

BY: Senator JACOBS

MOURNING the death of Randy Rider, renowned Fire
Chief, distinguished citizen and devoted member of
his community

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, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Randy Rider, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Randy Rider of Tonawanda, New York, died on Tuesday, April
17, 2018, at the age of 69; and

WHEREAS, For more than 20 years, Randy Rider was a proud member of
the Sheridan Park Volunteer Fire Company; throughout his illustrious
tenure, this volunteer heroically performed, above and beyond the call
of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire
protection; and

WHEREAS, A graduate of Kenmore West High School, Randy Rider joined
Sheridan Park Volunteer Fire Company in 1995; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career in fire service, Randy
Rider served as an Erie County certified fire instructor and as Chief
from 2006 to 2007, and again from 2016 to 2017, during which time he
inspired retention and recruitment; and

WHEREAS, A fourth generation firefighter, Randy Rider attended
numerous trainings throughout the state and was steadfastly committed to
ensuring that each and every one of his fellow firefighters went home
safe; and

WHEREAS, Randy Rider was also instrumental in the creation of the
President Trophy of the Erie County Fire Chiefs' Association, a fire
training award given for the most training hours for a fire company in a
year; and

WHEREAS, Past Chairman of the Town of Tonawanda Fire Chiefs'
Association, Randy Rider also served the Town of Tonawanda Highway
Department for more than two decades; and

WHEREAS, Randy Rider is survived by his wife, Melissa, and their
four children; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Randy Rider leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Randy Rider, renowned Fire Chief, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Chief Randy Rider.