LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring ex-Chief Richard Ackerson, Sr. upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition after many years of
dedicated service to the Islip Fire Department Rescue Squad

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 honor ex-Chief Richard
Ackerson, Sr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recogni-
tion after many years of dedicated service to the Islip Fire Department
Rescue Squad, to be celebrated on Saturday, April 2, 2016; 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, Richard Ackerson, Sr. entered the ranks of the Islip Fire
Department in September of 1956; throughout his illustrious tenure he
was captain of both the Rescue Squad and Engine Company No. 2, served as
Chief of the Islip Fire Department, and most recently served as rescue
squad treasurer, the esteemed position from which he retired on January
1, 2016; and
WHEREAS, One of the first advanced life support providers in the Islip
Fire Department and the County of Suffolk, Richard Ackerson, Sr. is the
first member of the Islip Fire Department to achieve 50 years of service
to the Rescue Squad; he will have 60 years of service in September of
this year; and
WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery
every day in the course of their duties; and
WHEREAS, Firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and the
strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic
magnitude; their sacrifices and their selfless dedication merit tribute
and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and
WHEREAS, Many firefighters have lost their lives to save the lives of
others; each and every day, they face danger and peril without fear and
perform their job with the utmost concern and professionalism; 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; Richard
Ackerson, Sr. is such a firefighter; throughout his many 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
honor ex-Chief Richard Ackerson, Sr. upon the occasion of his desig-
nation for special recognition after many years of dedicated service to
the Islip Fire Department Rescue Squad; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to ex-Chief Richard Ackerson, Sr.