Senate Resolution No. 5188

BY: Senator O'MARA

COMMENDING Past Chief Ben Walruth upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 70 years of dedicated service to the
Hammondsport Fire Department

WHEREAS, The firefighters 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," the volunteer
firefighter has been the cornerstone of our great Nation's efforts to
spare us from the ravages of fire; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Past Chief Ben
Walruth upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition
after 70 years of dedicated service to the Hammondsport Fire Department;
and

WHEREAS, Ben Walruth joined the Hammondsport Fire Department on
September 1, 1948; he held the esteemed position of Chief from 1961 to
1965; and

WHEREAS, Past Chief Ben Walruth also served the department as
President as well as holding most of the line officer positions; and

WHEREAS, Born in Hammondsport, Past Chief Ben Walruth has been a
lifelong resident; he is also a great mentor to all of the members of
the Hammondsport Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Volunteer firefighters and fire departments 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, 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;
Ben Walruth is such a firefighter; throughout 70 years of devoted
service, this volunteer heroically performed, above and beyond the call
of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire
protection; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Past Chief Ben Walruth upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 70 years of dedicated service to the
Hammondsport Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Past Chief Ben Walruth.