Senate Resolution No. 749

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Firefighter William J. Baker upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Lee
Center 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 commend
Firefighter William J. Baker upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service as a member of
the Lee Center Fire Department to be celebrated at its Annual
Installation Banquet on Saturday, April 15, 2023; and

WHEREAS, William J. "Bake" Baker joined the Lee Center Fire
Department on November 1, 1972; throughout his 50 years of service, he
held several positions within the Department including Chief at the age
of 24 (1979-1980), Lieutenant (1975-1977), Assistant Lieutenant (1978),
and President for the last 35 years; and

WHEREAS, In addition, William J. Baker has been the Bingo Chairman
since 1982, and for many years, he was the Field Day Chairman, and has
served on numerous truck committees; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his five decades of fire service, William J.
Baker has been named Fireman of the Year three times, won best appearing
Chief four times at various parades, and successfully used CPR on two
patients; and

WHEREAS, As a longtime member and coach of the Lee Center Fire
Department Softball Team, William J. Baker helped lead his team to four
New York State Championships at Fireman's Home on Hudson; and

WHEREAS, William J. Baker has been a vital member of numerous
firefighting organizations including the New York State Fire Chiefs
Association, Oneida County Fire Chiefs Association, Oneida County
Fireman's Association, Central New York Fireman's Association, and the
New York State Fire Police Association; 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;
Firefighter William J. Baker is one such firefighter; throughout 50
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 William J. Baker upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service
to the Lee Center Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Firefighter William J. Baker.