LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ray Baker upon the occasion of his
designation as the Citizen of the Years by the Sidney Chamber of
Commerce on June 3, 2016

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ray Baker upon
the occasion of his designation as the Citizen of the Years by the
Sidney Chamber of Commerce, to be celebrated at its annual dinner meet-
ing on Friday, June 3, 2016, at the Sidney Elks Lodge; and
WHEREAS, Ray Baker is being honored with this prestigious award in
recognition of his dedication, commitment and service to those in the
Sidney Community; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his community,
Ray Baker served the Village of Sidney for 20 years before taking his
current job as a regional fire manager with Donan Engineering Company,
Inc., the esteemed position he has held for eight years; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Ray Baker has also served
as the Town and Village of Sidney animal control officer and the Town of
Unadilla dog control officer; and
WHEREAS, Ray Baker has held all ranks in the Sidney Fire Department,
including chief, and is currently serving again as its assistant chief;
he is also a Delaware County deputy fire coordinator and chairman of the
Delaware County Cause and Origin Team; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Ray Baker was instrumental in form-
ing the full-time Sidney EMS with 24/7 coverage, and is currently serv-
ing as president of the board; he also serves as president elect of the
Sidney Rotary Club and will begin his term as president in June of this
year; and
WHEREAS, Ray Baker was born as one of 12 children to Ray and Margaret
Baker in Walton, New York; he grew up in Trout Creek, and then moved to
Sidney where he began his 31-year career with the Sidney Fire Depart-
ment; and
WHEREAS, Today, Ray Baker continues to reside in Sidney with his wife
Melissa; they are the proud parents of three sons and have two grand-
sons, as well as one grandchild on the way; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Ray Baker has displayed throughout
his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ray Baker upon the occasion of his designation as the Citizen of
the Years by the Sidney Chamber of Commerce on June 3, 2016; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ray Baker.