LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Fire District Commissioner Thomas P.
Kenney, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Snyder 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 Fire District
Commissioner Thomas P. Kenney, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the
Snyder Fire Department, to be celebrated with a Cocktail Party on
Friday, May 6, 2016; 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, Thomas P. Kenney, Jr. joined the Snyder Fire Department as a
Torchboy, a male or female member that is either 16 or 17 years of age,
on January 3, 1966; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious firefighting career, Thomas P.
Kenney has held several offices; he began as a firefighter on December
4, 1967, and four years later was promoted to Junior Captain; he climbed
the ranks to serve in such capacities as, Captain, Chief of Department,
Vice President, President, and Fire District Commissioner, the esteemed
position he continues to hold today; and
WHEREAS, Thomas P. Kenney, Jr. has also served on numerous committees
over the years, including new apparatus and 100th Anniversary commit-
tees; he is currently a structural firefighter and driver of all appara-
tus, as well as a top responder to emergency incidents; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, and their three chil-
dren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice
in his achievements; 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; Thomas
P. Kenney, Jr. is such a firefighter; throughout five decades 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 Fire District Commissioner Thomas P. Kenney, Jr. for 50 years of
distinguished service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Thomas P. Kenney, Jr.