LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Lawrence Bracken, Sr. upon
the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 51 years
of dedicated service to the Otterkill Engine Company No. 1

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
Lawrence Bracken, Sr. upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 51 years of dedicated service to the Otterkill Engine
Company No. 1 to be celebrated at its Annual Banquet on Saturday, Novem-
ber 1, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence Bracken, Sr. joined the Otterkill Engine Company No.
1 in 1962; in addition to serving as Firefighter, he has held numerous
positions including Captain, Assistant Chief and Chief; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter Lawrence Bracken, Sr. was named Firefighter of
the Year in 1982; 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;
Lawrence Bracken, Sr. is such a firefighter; throughout 51 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 Lawrence Bracken, Sr. for 51 years of distinguished
service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Lawrence Bracken, Sr.