Senate Resolution No. 5065

BY: Senator LAVALLE

HONORING Firefighter Mike Smith upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the Probie of the
Year Award by the Yaphank Fire Department

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 Firefighter
Mike Smith upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Probie of the Year Award, also known as the Jake Hoeffner Award, by the
Yaphank Fire Department, to be celebrated at its 92nd Annual
Installation Dinner on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at Giorgio's, Baiting
Hollow, New York; and

WHEREAS, Mike Smith became a member of the Yaphank Fire Department
on August 1, 2016, and has quickly learned the responsibility of a
probationary firefighter; he is always willing to learn and improve
himself, as well as to help around the firehouse and at emergency calls;
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;
Mike Smith is such a firefighter; throughout his 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
honor Firefighter Mike Smith upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Probie of the Year Award by the Yaphank Fire
Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Firefighter Mike Smith.