Seward Presents State Honor To Cuyler Firefighter

ALBANY, 03/16/15 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) recently presented Kelvin “Iron Lungs” Corbin with a New York State Legislative Resolution honoring his six-plus decades of service to the Cuyler Fire Department.

“Kelvin Corbin has displayed unwavering dedication to the citizens of Cuyler for sixty-four years,” said Senator Seward.  “I have a great deal of respect for the men and women who answer the siren’s call, day or night, to protect lives and property.  To do so in a volunteer capacity for such a prolonged period of time, as Kelvin has done, is even more impressive and deserving of special recognition.”

Kelvin Corbin first joined the Cuyler Volunteer Fire Department in 1950 while still in high school.  Over his 64 years of service he has fulfilled a number of leadership posts including fire chief, volunteer instructor, and fire investigator. 

Senate resolution J350 was adopted on February 3, 2015 and reads in part:

WHEREAS, A role model and mentor for generations of Cuyler volunteer firefighters, Kelvin  Corbin  has  been dedicated to the safety of his community and his diligence has been second to none; 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; Kelvin  Corbin is such a firefighter; throughout his 64 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 Firefighter Kelvin Corbin for 64 years of distinguished service.

Assemblyman Gary Finch sponsored the assembly version of the resolution which was also adopted on February 3, 2015. 

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Photo attached, from left, Senator Seward, Kelvin Corbin, Cuyler Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tim Custer, Town of Cuyler Supervisor Louanne Randall.