Senate Resolution No. 2237

BY: Senator MARTINS

HONORING Firefighter James P. O'Donnell upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 65 years of service to the Sea Cliff Fire
Department on April 19, 2024

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
James P. O'Donnell upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 65 years of service to the Sea Cliff Fire Department,
to be recognized at the Department Dinner on April 19, 2024, at the
Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, New York; and

WHEREAS, James P. O'Donnell joined the Enterprise Hose Co. on
January 13, 1959, and achieved the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in 1966,
before transferring to the Hook & Ladder Company in 1969; and

WHEREAS, This dedicated fireman went on to hold the positions of
Warden from 1980 to 2015, Treasurer from 1982 to 2015, and Chief Driver
of the Ladder from 1981 to 2015; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter James P. O'Donnell, as a result of his
dedication and pride in upholding the honorable values and practices of
those volunteer firefighters which so valiantly serve this State and
Nation, was awarded Fireman of the Year in 1979; and

WHEREAS, Volunteer 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;
James P. O'Donnell is one such firefighter; throughout 65 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 James P. O'Donnell upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition after 65 years of service to the Sea
Cliff Fire Department on April 19, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Firefighter James P. O'Donnell.