LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the New York State Association of Fire
Chaplains, Inc. upon the occasion of celebrating their 50th Anniversary
on April 18, 2016

WHEREAS, The spiritual guidance and nurturing of the emergency respon-
ders of the State of New York is of great importance to the vitality and
well-being of our communities; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those men and women of religious commitment
who accept the responsibility of moral leadership and render the wisdom
of human understanding; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. upon the occasion
of celebrating their 50th Anniversary at its Annual Meeting and Dinner
on Monday, April 18, 2016, at the Coldenham Fire Department, Newburgh,
New York; and
WHEREAS, At this auspicious occasion, Reverend James Van Houten will
be installed as Chief Chaplain; and
WHEREAS, For 50 years, the dedicated members of New York State Associ-
ation of Fire Chaplains (NYSAFC), Inc. have strived to serve people in
times of crisis and in the day to day operations of emergency service
organizations; and
WHEREAS, (NYSAFC), Inc. is faith-based organization which is comprised
of a group of men and women from all areas of emergency services such as
line officers, EMS providers, clergy, commissioners, laity, past chiefs,
county coordinators, fire police, and administrators; and
WHEREAS, This diverse group of emergency authorities offered their
opinions and advice and authored the first fire chaplain's manual which
is used at annual and regional training opportunities specifically
designed for Fire Chaplains; and
WHEREAS, Fire Chaplains are available to offer assistance to anyone in
need, but more specifically in conjunction with the Fireman's Associ-
ation of New York (FASNY) and the New York State Association of Fire
Chiefs; these Liaisons also work side by side with New York State's LAST
Team members from the National Fallen Firefighter's Foundation (NFFF)
and with the Board of Directors of the New York State Association of
Fire Chaplains, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Fire Chaplains are often invited to give a few words at
banquets and installation ceremonies, memorial services and funerals,
and to bless apparatus, as well as offer prayers at meetings; active
Chaplains often visit hospitals and offer valuable support to both
Chiefs and officers; some Fire Chaplains are board certified counselors,
and are trained in CATSM or CISM; 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 comrade is in need; and
WHEREAS, These distinguished men and women of God have always given
enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to their care
and have administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and
corporal needs of all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, Inc. upon the
occasion of celebrating their 50th Anniversary on April 18, 2016; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert H. Ruston, Director, New York State Association of
Fire Chaplains, Inc.