Senate Resolution No. 1368

BY: Senator PHILLIPS

COMMENDING Nicolas Tavares upon the occasion of
his designation as the 2017 Junior Firefighter of
the Year by the Mineola Junior Fire Department

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord
with its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and
leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the
ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Nicolas Tavares
upon the occasion of his designation as the 2017 Junior Firefighter of
the Year by the Mineola Junior Fire Department to be celebrated at its
15th Annual Junior's Installation Dinner on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at
its Department Hall in Mineola, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Mineola Junior Fire Department, an Explorer Post of the
Boy Scouts of America, was organized in April of 1976; since its
inception, thousands of young men and women from Mineola and its
neighboring communities have participated in this vital program; and

WHEREAS, The junior firefighters train each week on Sunday mornings
and Monday nights; they participate in both hands on, as well as
classroom training where they learn all aspects of becoming a
firefighter such as fire suppression, search and rescue, self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA), aerial operations, ground ladders, first
aid, and public relations; and

WHEREAS, As the Captain of the Mineola Junior Fire Department,
Nicolas Tavares is dedicated to learning new skills, and becoming the
best firefighter he can be; he is always available to help his fellow
junior firefighters, and likes to serve his community in a variety of
capacities; and

WHEREAS, When Nicolas Tavares is not training at the fire station or
attending a Department function, he helps take care of his younger
sister, and is a reader at the Corpus Christi Church; and

WHEREAS, Nicolas Tavares is a hard working sophomore at Mineola High
School, where he is a member of the track team; in addition to running,
he enjoys practicing tae kwon do; a second degree black belt, he is a
volunteer junior instructor at his tae kwon do dojang; and

WHEREAS, Nicolas Tavares is looking forward to joining the Mineola
Fire Department, and aspires to serve our great Nation after graduation;
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;
Nicolas Tavares desires to be such a firefighter; and

WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose,
Nicolas Tavares now stands honorably, with just pride in his

accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges,
understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided
by Senior Firefighters, mentors, and his parents; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Nicolas Tavares upon the occasion of his designation as the 2017
Junior Firefighter of the Year by the Mineola Junior Fire Department;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Junior Firefighter Nicolas Tavares.