LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Russ Vantervoort upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated
service to the Waterford 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 Russ Vantervoort
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50
years of dedicated service to the Waterford Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure at the Waterford Fire Department, Russ
Vantervoort has held numerous leadership positions including 2nd Lieu-
tenant from 1975-1977, 1st Lieutenant from 1978-1979, and Captain from
1980-1987, as well as Department Training Officer, Safety Officer, and
Fire Investigator; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he served as both President and Secretary of the
J.W. Ford Hose Co. No. 2, Waterford Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, In 1974, Russ Vantervoort and Bob Stark proudly organized the
Fire Prevention Program of the Waterford Fire Department; Russ continued
his involvement in this vital Program for over 26 years; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Fire Prevention Program has grown to teach fire
prevention to children in grades Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade,
and also incorporated an Open House presentation at the Fire House so
that the children of Waterford and their families can observe live
demonstrations and learn more on the dangers of fire and how to be safe;
and
WHEREAS, Along with his role at the Waterford Fire Department, Russ
Vantervoort served as a Village Trustee for 12 years; he also partic-
ipated on the Saratoga County Volunteer Fireman's Association, and held
the position of President of the Hudson Mohawk Valley Volunteer Fire-
man's Association; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Russ Vantervoort held the title of Chairman of
both the Saratoga County Fire Advisory Board of Directors, and the
Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman's Association Legislative Committee; and
WHEREAS, Proud of his role as a Firefighter, Russ Vantervoort wrote a
book about the history of the Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman's Associ-
ation entitled 100 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE; 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; Russ
Vantervoort 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 Russ Vantervoort for 50 years of distinguished
service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Russ Vantervoort.