Senate Resolution No. 303

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Firefighter Joseph T. White upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Maynard
Volunteer Fire Department

WHEREAS, The volunteer firefighters of New York State are renowned
throughout the Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in
the arduous field of fire protection and prevention; 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 Joseph T. White upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the Maynard
Volunteer Fire Department, to be celebrated on Saturday, February 1,
2025, at the department's Annual Installation Banquet in Utica, New
York; 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, Throughout his tenure of service, Joseph T. White has
continually demonstrated a high knowledge and understanding of
leadership, training, and educational roles with the department and his
crews; and

WHEREAS, Born on January 16, 1932, Joseph T. White graduated from
Utica Catholic Academy in 1951, before proudly serving his country as a
member of the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, Joseph T. White joined the Maynard Volunteer Fire
Department on January 16, 1975; and

WHEREAS, Alongside his duties with the fire department, Joseph T.
White dedicated 15 years as the Basketball Coach at St. Peter's Grammar
School and 12 years coaching the Notre Dame Boys Varsity Team; a member
of the Notre Dame High School Hall of Fame, he also led his teams to
five Central Oneida League titles, four Tri-Valley League Championships,
four Section Three titles, and a spot in the Final Four of the NYSPHSAA
Championship in 1991-92; and

WHEREAS, A proud Irishman, Joseph T. White has been an integral part
of local traditions and celebrations, especially the Utica St. Patrick's
Day Parade where he was named Grand Marshal in 1999; and

WHEREAS, Joseph T. White is widely recognized for his unwavering
commitment to his community, family, and church; with five decades of

service with the Maynard Fire Department and a successful career as a
basketball coach, he has made a significant impact on countless lives;
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;
Joseph T. White is one such firefighter; throughout 50 years of devoted
service, this firefighter 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 Joseph T. White upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the
Maynard Volunteer Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Firefighter Joseph T. White.