Assembly Resolution No. 115

BY: M. of A. Friend

COMMENDING Firefighter Gerald O. Manchester, III
upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 55 years of dedicated service to
the Southport Fire Department

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Firefighter Gerald O. Manchester, III upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition after 55 years of dedicated service
to the Southport Fire Department to be celebrated at its Annual Banquet
at Southport Fire Station on Saturday, February 16, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Gerald O. Manchester, III joined the Southport Fire
Department on June 11, 1963; throughout his 55 years of service, he has
held several positions within the Department including Chief for eight
years; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary firefighter was instrumental in raising
awareness to the challenge of hazardous materials within Chemung County
and advocated for the formation of a county response capability; these
efforts led directly to the City of Elmira Fire Department establishing
a hazardous materials response team; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter Gerald O. Manchester, III was a small business
owner in the town of Southport and selflessly took valuable time away
from his work to tend to the fire department when necessary; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters unwaveringly serve our great State with pride,
valor, and integrity; they 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;
Gerald O. Manchester, III is such a firefighter; throughout 55 years of
devoted service, he 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 Firefighter Gerald O. Manchester, III upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition after 55 years of dedicated service
to the Southport Fire Department; and be it further


RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Firefighter Gerald O. Manchester, III.