Senate Resolution No. 1885

BY: Senator YOUNG

HONORING Norman G. Sparks for 60 years of
dedicated service to the Conesus Volunteer Fire
Department

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
the significant contributions made by New Yorkers to their communities
in this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Norman G. Sparks for 60 years of dedicated service to the Conesus
Volunteer Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, The volunteer fire departments 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," volunteer fire
departments have been the cornerstone of our great State's efforts to
spare us from the ravages of fire; and

WHEREAS, Volunteer firefighters, fire departments, and their
auxiliary organizations not only provide the critical service of fire
protection, but also engage in other activities of great benefit and
importance to the communities they serve; and

WHEREAS, Norman G. Sparks was born on May 4, 1933, in Rochester, New
York; he attended Rochester West High School; and

WHEREAS, Norman G. Sparks was employed at Eastman Kodak in the
Maintenance Department for 36 years and also worked at the BOCES-Geneseo
Migrant Center until 1996; and

WHEREAS, Norman G. Sparks has been married to his wife, Jean, for 63
years, and together they are the adoring parents to six children; they
have been further blessed with 12 grandchildren, and two
great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Norman G. Sparks has gone above and beyond the call of duty
after serving in the United States Army during the Korean War, becoming
the Commander/Chairman of the American Legion Post 1779, Town of Conesus
Supervisor from 1990-1995, Livingston County Board of Supervisors from
1990-1995, Chairman of the Conesus Fire Commissioners from 1996-2017,
President of the Cemetery Association, Conesus Methodist Church Lay
Leader, and Chaplain of the Conesus Volunteer Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Norman G. Sparks' favorite past times include traveling and
reading books throughout his travels; and

WHEREAS, With 60 years of outstanding active fire service, the
knowledge that he possesses and shares with others is remarkable and a
testament to a true mentor, leader and friend; 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 carry out the vital mission of volunteer fire
departments; and

WHEREAS, Observing that special recognition should be given to those
who work so assiduously for the betterment of their communities, and
that they should be acknowledged publicly for the good works they do for
their families and neighbors in this great Empire State; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Norman G. Sparks for 60 years of dedicated service to the Conesus
Volunteer Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, by
transmitted to Norman G. Sparks.