LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter James Duncan upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of
dedicated service to the Flower Hill Hose Company No. 1 and the Port
Washington 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 Firefighter James
Duncan upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Flower Hill Hose Company No.
1 and the Port Washington Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, James Duncan first became a firefighter in 1963, after
membership was proposed by his father, Ex-Chief and 64 year veteran,
John Duncan; and
WHEREAS, As a devoted member of the Port Washington Fire Department,
James Duncan has served as Chief Engineer, Second Lieutenant, First
Lieutenant, and the top rank of Captain of the Company; and
WHEREAS, The quintessential public servant, this esteemed man is the
longest serving President in the history of the Flower Hill Hose Company
No. 1; he also sits on both the Flower Hill Hose Company Board of Direc-
tors and the Port Washington Fire Department Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, From 1966 to 1969, James Duncan served his country as a
member of the United States Army Corps of Engineers; he was stationed in
Vietnam for 13 months as a combat engineer commander and a demolition
expert, earning numerous commendations, including a Purple Heart and
Bronze Star; and
WHEREAS, Following the completion of his military service, James
Duncan continued to serve the public as a Nassau County Police Officer
for 23 years; he became Commissioner of the Port Washington Police
Department in 1996, where he continues to serve today; and
WHEREAS, James Duncan is also the founder, owner, and operator of
Chief Fire & Safety Equipment and Chief Fire & Rescue Apparatus Sales, a
business he started 44 years ago; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 44 years, Elaine,
and their children, Allison, Michele, and John, all of whom feel privi-
leged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; 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; James
Duncan 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 James Duncan upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the Flow-
er Hill Hose Company No. 1 and the Port Washington Fire Department; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter James Duncan.