LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Firefighter Jorge Batle upon the occa-
sion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedi-
cated service to the Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
brave citizens within our midst, who have played a significant role in
making our community a great place to live, and to celebrate the
contributions and sacrifices that they have made to our society to
ensure the safety and the advancement of the quality of life for all
residents; and
WHEREAS, Within every community in the State of New York, there are
certain individuals who unselfishly devote themselves to public service,
and demonstrate great courage and diligence in providing for the care
and welfare of the citizens of their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Jorge Batle upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 50 years of dedicated service to the Skaneateles Volunteer Fire
Department to be celebrated at its Annual Banquet on Saturday, April 30,
2016; and
WHEREAS, The Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department, which was founded
in 1833, currently has three stations and 100 members on its roster; the
station provides the residents of Skaneateles with services in the event
of fire, medical emergencies, or any other occurrence that may threaten
the public welfare, answering a record 391 calls in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Jorge Batle joined the Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department
in December of 1965; and
WHEREAS, Since then, Jorge Batle has served the department as Lieuten-
ant, Captain, 2nd Assistant Fire Chief, Recording Secretary, and Vice
President, as well as President from 1986-1987; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the long history of the Skaneateles Fire Depart-
ment, one thing has remained constant, the dedication, hard work,
commitment and sacrifices of outstanding men and women like Jorge Batle;
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; Jorge
Batle 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; and
WHEREAS, Now 50 years later, Jorge Batle continues to serve the resi-
dents of Skaneateles, holding the positions of the Skaneateles Fire
Department Historian and the Village Historian; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his volunteer fire service, Jorge Batle served
as a Lieutenant of the Syracuse Fire Department, and then as a Skanea-
teles Village Codes Enforcement Officer before retiring from that posi-
tion in 2015; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife, Beth Batle, who feels
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoices in his achievements;
she is the Town's historian and continues to collaborate with him on
numerous preservation and restoration projects; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence 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
commend Firefighter Jorge Batle upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the Skanea-
teles Volunteer Fire Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Firefighter Jorge Batle.