LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending George H. Lenhardt upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated
service to the Slingerlands Fire Department on March 19, 2016

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 George H. Lenhardt
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50
years of dedicated service to the Slingerlands Fire Department to be
celebrated at its Annual Installation Dinner on Saturday, March 19,
2016; and
WHEREAS, On May 10, 1965, George H. Lenhardt joined the Slingerlands
Fire Department at the young age of 18; he enthusiastically held the
title of Fire Lieutenant and worked with the emergency response team;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, George H. Lenhardt held the position of Slinger-
lands Fire District Commissioner for many years and served as the Chair-
man of the Board of Directors; currently, he holds the title of Treasur-
er of the Slingerlands Fire District; and
WHEREAS, At one time, George H. Lenhardt enthusiastically offered his
time and energies to serving the American Red Cross as a Disaster
Services Volunteer; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, George H. Lenhardt served as both Vice President
and Chaplain of the Slingerlands Fire Department; he was a member of the
Slingerlands Pussycats Firematic Drill Team and participated in the
Albany County Mutual Aid Softball League; and
WHEREAS, Currently, George H. Lenhardt continues to respond to calls
every day and regularly attends department drills and functions; and
WHEREAS, George H. Lenhardt proudly served his country as a Communi-
cations Specialist with the United States Army Special Security Group at
MACV Headquarters in Saigon during the Vietnam War; he is an active
member of the Nathaniel Adams Blanchard American Legion Post 1040 in
Delmar, New York, and currently, participates on the Board of Directors;
and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to the community in which he lives and a friend to
all, George H. Lenhardt has been a member of the Town of Bethlehem Plan-
ning Board, and served as Chairman of the Bethlehem Board of Ambulance
Commissioners, as well as President of the Town of Bethlehem Historical
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, 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; George
H. Lenhardt 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 George H. Lenhardt for 50 years of distinguished
service to the Slingerlands Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to George H. Lenhardt.