LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter John R. Metzger upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of
dedicated service to the Constantia Volunteer Fire Department

WHEREAS, The 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, Since the early days of "teapot steamers," the volunteer
firefighter has been the cornerstone of our great Nation's efforts to
spare us from the ravages of fire; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Firefighter John R.
Metzger upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Constantia Volunteer Fire
Department, to be celebrated at its 100 year celebration on Saturday,
April 26, 2014, in Constantia, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born in Fulton, New York, John R. Metzger graduated from
Central Square High School in 1964, and earned a Bachelor of Business
Administration degree from Siena College in 1968; and
WHEREAS, John R. Metzger joined the Constantia Volunteer Fire Depart-
ment in February of 1964; he served as Chief from 1987 to 1989; he also
held positions as Assistant Chief, President, Vice President, Captain,
Lieutenant, Secretary, and Treasurer; and
WHEREAS, In 1999, John R. Metzger received the auspicious honor of
being named Fireman of the Year; and
WHEREAS, For many years, John R. Metzger rendered faithful, conscien-
tious and valuable service to Cooper (Crouse-Hinds) Industries, retiring
in February of 2011; and
WHEREAS, A member of St. Bernadette's Catholic Church in Constantia,
New York, John R. Metzger is the Past Trustee and Parish Council of his
Church; he also served as Pack Master for Cub Scout Pack 724, and is a
former Youth Basketball Coach; and
WHEREAS, Currently, John R. Metzger serves on the Constantia Town
Board Council, and has been a substitute bus driver for Central Square
School District since 2013; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of more than 44 years,
Joy, and their two children, John and Melissa, as well as five grand-
children, Katelyn, Cassandra, Sarah, Haley and Joey, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Volunteer firefighters and fire departments not only provide
the critical service of fire protection but also engage in other activ-
ities 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; John R.
Metzger is such a 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 John R. Metzger for 50 years of distinguished
service to the Constantia Volunteer Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter John R. Metzger.