Senate Resolution No. 2044

BY: Senator LARKIN

COMMENDING Richard R. Cagney posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
by the Orange County Volunteer Fire Police
Association on May 10, 2017

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, Richard R. Cagney heroically performed, above and beyond
the call of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire
protection for more than five decades; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Richard R.
Cagney posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Orange County Volunteer Fire Police Association to be
celebrated at its Candlelight Memorial Service on Wednesday, May 10,
2017, at the Cronomer Valley Fire House in Newburgh, New York; and

WHEREAS, Born on October 18, 1945, Richard R. Cagney was the son of
the late Donald and Mary Burnett Cagney; and

WHEREAS, Richard R. Cagney proudly served his country in the United
States Marines during the Vietnam War; after his discharge, he returned
to New York and worked as a sales representative for IBM and was the
owner of Walden Tire Shop and the Walden Feed Shop; and

WHEREAS, For numerous years, Richard R. Cagney was a vital member of
the Walden Fire Company, where he served as the Current Treasurer of the
Department and on the Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Richard R. Cagney was the Current Treasurer,
past Senior Driver and ex-Captain of the Orange Hose Company No. 1; in
addition, he was the former Commissioner of the Walden Fire District, a
Walden Fire Police Officer and a member of the Orange County Fire
Advisory Board; and

WHEREAS, Richard R. Cagney, with his zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of his family and friends; he has enriched the lives
of those around him through his joyous and sincere love for others and
through the quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness
of years; and

WHEREAS, Richard "Ric" R. Cagney of Walden, New York, died on
November 10, 2016, at the age of 71; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents and his brother, Jack Cagney,
Richard R. Cagney is survived by his sister, Janet McGrath; two nephews,

Brad McGrath and Bryan McGrath; his sister-in-law, Claire Cagney; and
extended family; as well as a legion of fellow firefighters and friends
who will long cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, Richard R. Cagney touched
many lives through his kindness and commitment to service, and, as we
recall the loss of this great man, we memorialize his remarkable life
and the enormous impact he had on everyone with whom he came in contact;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its
grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of a
courageous firefighter who dedicated his purposeful life and career in
faithful service to his family and community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Richard R. Cagney posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Orange County Volunteer Fire
Police Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Richard R. Cagney.