MOURNING the death of Detective Brian P. Simonsen,
19-year veteran of the NYPD and devoted member of
his community
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of the loss of
courageous individuals who dedicated their purposeful lives and careers
to serve and protect; and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Detective Brian P. Simonsen, an
extraordinary gentleman of indomitable faith and dedication whose
purposeful life will long serve as a standard to which others might
aspire; and
WHEREAS, Detective Brian P. Simonsen tragically died on Tuesday,
February 12, 2019, at the age of 42; he made the ultimate sacrifice
during an armed robbery at a T-Mobile store in Queens, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, Brian P. Simonsen graduated from Riverhead High
School where he was a vital member of both the football and baseball
teams; in 2000, he was appointed to the NYPD 102nd Precinct in Richmond
Hill, Queens; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his nearly 19-year career, Detective Brian P.
Simonsen was well-known for his patience, steadiness and laid-back
demeanor, earning him respect from not only his superiors and fellow
officers, but also the residents of the communities he patrolled; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known by many as "Smiles," Brian P. Simonsen
will be remembered as an all-around good guy who served as an honorary
uncle to the young people of his neighborhood who looked forward to
attending his fabled pool parties and backyard barbecues; a genuinely
thoughtful man, he always took the time to make someone else's life
better, whether through a supportive word or a random act of kindness;
and
WHEREAS, Brian P. Simonsen truly loved his Calverton, New York,
community; he played on the Riverhead Town Police Department's softball
team, and could often be found shopping at a local bodega or enjoying
chicken salads from a nearby pizzeria; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his father, Dr. Paul M. Simonsen, and his
sister, Melissa, Brian P. Simonsen is survived by his wife, Leanne; his
mother, Linda; grandfather, Vernon; and many friends, as well as a
legion of fellow officers in blue who will long cherish his memory; and
WHEREAS, Detective Brian P. Simonsen lived his life with great
dignity and genuine grace, always demonstrating a deep and continuing
concern for the welfare of others in the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Detective Brian P. Simonsen made the ultimate sacrifice on
February 12, 2019, while faithfully executing his responsibilities,
serving with dedication, loyalty and compassion; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of NYPD Detective Brian P. Simonsen, 19-year
veteran of the NYPD 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 NYPD Detective Brian P. Simonsen.
HONORING Genesee Lumber Company, Inc. upon the
occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2018
Business of the Year Award by the Genesee County
Chamber of Commerce
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of business
organizations and individuals that generously contribute to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Genesee Lumber Company, Inc. upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the 2018 Business of the Year Award by the Genesee County
Chamber of Commerce to be celebrated at its 46th Annual Awards Ceremony
on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Genesee Lumber Company, Inc. is receiving this auspicious
award for its demonstrated growth and commitment to Genesee County; and
WHEREAS, Genesee Lumber Company, Inc., a third generation family
owned business, has been a mainstay for Batavia and Genesee County for
almost 90 years; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of John and Leslie Harrower,
Genesee Lumber has significantly expanded its market share, becoming a
meaningful player in the building supply business for all of Western New
York; and
WHEREAS, John and Leslie Harrower's vision and steadfast commitment
to Genesee County has greatly contributed to the community's success and
the expansion of its workforce; and
WHEREAS, True assets to the community, John and Leslie Harrower have
volunteered their time and support to countless local organizations,
including the GLOW YMCA and Camp Hough, as well as both high school and
youth sports; and
WHEREAS, The success of Genesee Lumber Company, Inc. is in direct
correlation to the efforts of John and Leslie Harrower, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the institution and the
community it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the
local and State economies, fully confident that it will thrive and enjoy
sparkling success; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Genesee Lumber Company, Inc. upon the occasion of its designation
as recipient of the 2018 Business of the Year Award by the Genesee
County Chamber of Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John and Leslie Harrower, Genesee Lumber Company, Inc.,
Batavia, New York.
COMMENDING Firefighter Robert C. Rodabaugh, Sr.
upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 50 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 Robert C. Rodabaugh, Sr. upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition after 50 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, Robert C. Rodabaugh, Sr. joined the Southport Fire
Department in April 2, 1968; throughout his 50 years of service, he has
held several positions within the Department including: Assistant Chief,
Fire Marshall, and one of the first fire investigators to be appointed
by Chemung County; and
WHEREAS, This extraordinary firefighter furthered his career as an
Insurance Fire Investigator in the private sector, throughout New York
State; and
WHEREAS, As a small business owner in Southport, Robert C.
Rodabaugh, Sr. spent numerous hours away from his workplace, selflessly
responding to his duties as a firefighter; 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;
Robert C. Rodabaugh, Sr. is such a firefighter; throughout 50 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 Robert C. Rodabaugh, Sr. upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition after 50 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 Robert C. Rodabaugh, Sr.
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.
COMMENDING Firefighter Daniel Post upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 55 years of dedicated service to the Golden
Glow Volunteer Fire Company of Pine City, New York
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 commend
Firefighter Daniel Post upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 55 years of dedicated service to the Golden Glow
Volunteer Fire Company to be celebrated at its Annual Banquet on
Saturday, March 9, 2019; and
WHEREAS, Daniel "Ed" Post joined the Golden Glow Volunteer Fire
Company in 1963; throughout his 55 years of service he has held several
positions within the Department, from Mechanic to 35 years as Fire
Commissioner; 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;
Daniel Post is such a firefighter; throughout 55 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 Daniel Post upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 55 years of dedicated service to the Golden
Glow Volunteer Fire Company; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Firefighter Daniel Post.
CONGRATULATING Andrew N. Manson upon the occasion
of receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout,
the most prestigious of Scouting honors, on April 7,
2019
WHEREAS, Andrew N. Manson, through his diligence and rigorous
efforts, has achieved Scouting's highest and most prestigious rank,
Eagle Scout; the Eagle Court of Honor ceremony will be held on Sunday,
April 7, 2019; and
WHEREAS, The son of Jeffrey and Christine Manson, Andrew is a member
of Boy Scouts of America Troop 440; throughout his Scouting career, he
held 39 merit badges and various leadership positions in his troop; and
WHEREAS, America has achieved her greatest heights of glory through
the dedication, determination and tireless efforts of the outstanding
citizens of this Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is only with the continued diligence and devotion of our
youth, tomorrow's leaders, that America will maintain her glory; and
WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America and its members are dedicated to
the development of character and leadership in the youth of this Nation;
and
WHEREAS, The highest achievement of leadership in Scouting, earned
by approximately five percent of all Boy Scouts, is the distinguished
rank of Eagle Scout; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding young man has been involved in Scouting
for many years, has lived up to Scouting's ideals and has attained all
of the necessary achievements, including completion of a community
service project, which was successfully planned, developed and executed;
and
WHEREAS, For his project, Andrew N. Manson refurbished the Monroe
Presbyterian Preschool playground by replacing borders, and repainting a
slide; he also cleaned up the landscaping and equipment, spread mulch
and replaced 65 feet of fencing; and
WHEREAS, Andrew N. Manson's perseverance in rising through the ranks
to Eagle Scout is a strong indication of his ability to master difficult
tasks; his accomplishment will enable him to emerge as a leader, fully
equipped to meet the challenges of today's complex society; and
WHEREAS, This new Eagle Scout is a credit to his family, his school,
his community, his State and his Nation, and no doubt his future will be
filled with accomplishments of equal importance; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations, in
recognition of the significance of this meritorious achievement, to
congratulate and honor Andrew N. Manson on achieving the rank of Eagle
Scout; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Andrew N. Manson.
COMMENDING Ted Bennett for special recognition
after 40 years of dedicated service to the residents
of Chemung County
WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens who demonstrate great courage and
diligence in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their
communities and this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Ted Bennett for special recognition after 40 years of dedicated
service to the residents of Chemung County; and
WHEREAS, A long-time resident of Elmira, New York, Ted Bennett was
first elected to the Chemung County Legislature in November of 1974;
from 1995 until his official retirement in 2014, he served as the
Legislature's Minority Leader; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Ted Bennett accomplished numerous
goals, especially those which improved the area's transportation system;
he was instrumental in building the Clemens Center Parkway in downtown
Elmira, and as Chairman of the I-86 Coalition, he helped convert State
Route 17 to Interstate 86 through Steuben and Chemung counties; in
addition, he expedited the completion of I-86, which stretches from
Erie, Pennsylvania to I-87 in the Hudson Valley; and
WHEREAS, Ted Bennett was also involved with the Elmira/Chemung
Transportation Council, the Route 15 Coalition, the Appalachian Thruway
Association, and the New York State Association of Counties'
Transportation Committee; and
WHEREAS, In his capacity as a Chemung County Legislator, Ted Bennett
served with loyalty, honor and distinction, earning him the admiration,
esteem and affection of his colleagues; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Ted Bennett over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication
to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Ted Bennett for special recognition after 40 years of dedicated
service to the residents of the city of Elmira, New York, and Chemung
County; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ted Bennett.
COMMEMORATING the 125th Anniversary of the Dresden
Volunteer Fire Department to be celebrated on June
1, 2019
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 125th
Anniversary of Dresden Volunteer Fire Department and to honor its past
and present firefighting members for 125 years of fire protection to the
citizens of Dresden, New York, and its surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, Fire departments are an integral part of community
protection services in every locality of our State; for more than a
century, the courageous and devoted firefighters of Dresden have
valiantly responded to all types of fire emergencies and have won the
praise and respect of the community which they serve; and
WHEREAS, To celebrate this milestone, the Dresden Volunteer Fire
Department will be holding an event on Saturday, June 1, 2019; and
WHEREAS, The Dresden Volunteer Fire Department is currently located
across the street from its originator, the Dresden Fire Club, formed in
the late 1800s; and
WHEREAS, In 1945, the Dresden Fire Club built a heated two bay
building to accommodate a 1921 Brockway, which they still possess today,
as well as a 1945 Mack Truck and a 1949 Ford Tanker; and
WHEREAS, The Dresden Volunteer Fire Department was vital to the
area's recovery from the 1972, 1991, and 1996 floods, along with the
tornado of 1996, all of which crippled the community for days; and
WHEREAS, The Dresden Volunteer Fire Department has been serving the
residents of the Village of Dresden and Town of Torrey since 1894; they
currently house two Engines, a Pumper, and a medium duty Walk-in Rescue;
they also have three trailers on site for Decon, Spill/Hazmat Response,
and an Emergency Response Trailer; and
WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Dresden Volunteer Fire Department in public service and fire
protection is one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year,
for 125 years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble volunteers left
their homes and went to the aid of their neighbors; and
WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of Dresden Volunteer Fire Department
are prepared to risk their lives every day to help save the lives of
others and to protect homes and property from the destruction caused by
fire; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the skill and devoted service demonstrated
by individual firefighters, Dresden Volunteer Fire Department reflects
the history and development of firefighting over the past 125 years; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude
to those devoted individuals who recognize that the preservation of life
and property is a sacred responsibility and who make that responsibility
their own by serving as firefighters; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that we should
give special recognition to those who work so assiduously for the
betterment of their communities, and acknowledge publicly the heroic
good works performed by the volunteer fire departments of this great
Empire State, their officers and auxiliaries; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
proudly commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Dresden Volunteer Fire
Department to be celebrated on June 1, 2019; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dan Egburtson, Chief of the Dresden Volunteer Fire
Department.
COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the Steuben
County Fair to be held August 13-18, 2019
WHEREAS, Fairs and festivals empower communities to attract new
visitors while capitalizing on local commercial and cultural value; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
support events of significance which contribute to the entertainment and
vitality of the communities they serve and which exemplify the history
and development of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Steuben County Fair to be held
August 13-18, 2019; and
WHEREAS, The First fair was held in 1795, which makes it the
original fair in New York State; a second fair was held in 1796; the
next fair was held in 1819, and has been held every year since; and
WHEREAS, The agricultural society was formed in 1841, and formally
organized in 1854; and
WHEREAS, The fair leased the property in 1845 where the fair is
currently held, and later purchased it in 1862; and
WHEREAS, The first buildings were also built in 1862, including The
"Fair House" and the "Gate House"; both buildings are still in use
today; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Steuben County Fair continues to serve as an
extraordinary attraction, bringing thousands of people each year to see
what it has to offer; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those organizations that have brought entertainment and cultural
enrichment to the citizens of the State of New York; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Steuben County Fair to be held
August 13-18, 2019; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of the Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nick Pelham CVFM Secretary/Manager, Steuben County
Agricultural Society.