LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Chairman David Rickard upon the occa-
sion of stepping down after 25 years of dedicated service to the Broome
County Fire Chiefs' Association

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 Chairman David
Rickard upon the occasion of stepping down after 25 years of dedicated
service to the Broome County Fire Chiefs' Association; 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, After nearly three decades, David Rickard of the Five Mile
Point Fire Company will be stepping down as an Officer of the Broome
County Fire Chiefs' Association, and subsequently will no longer be a
member of the Fire Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, The Fire Advisory Board is made up of officers of the County
Fire Chiefs' Association and members of the Broome County Legislature;
the Board is appointed annually by the County Executive to assist in
developing and maintaining fire training and mutual aid and act as an
advisory body to the Legislature and Fire Coordinator; and
WHEREAS, David Rickard served as Chairman of the Fire Advisory Board
for the past 25 years, working tirelessly to support emergency services
and assist the County Office of Emergency Services (OES); and
WHEREAS, During the catastrophic floods of 2006 and 2011, David Rick-
ard assisted with the massive task of overseeing emergency flood oper-
ations, evacuations of residents, and overseeing mutual aid resources
that came in from all over the state; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his 25-year tenure as Chairman, David Rickard has
been instrumental in the opening of the Public Safety Facility, imple-
mentation of 911 in Broome County, consolidation of communications, and
computer-aided dispatch; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he has assisted in revising the mutual aid plan,
making recommendations on a new fire coordinator and most recently with
the study for immense changes and upgrades to the county's antiquated
radio system; 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; David
Rickard is such a firefighter; throughout 25 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 Chairman David Rickard for 25 years of distinguished service;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Chairman David Rickard.