Senate Resolution No. 5777

BY: Senator DEFRANCISCO

HONORING past Chief Michael F. Ryan for 50 years
of dedicated fire service to the Solvay Volunteer
Fire Department

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, Since the early days of "teapot steamers," a volunteer
firefighter has been the cornerstone of our great Nation's efforts to
spare us from the ravages of fire; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those esteemed individuals within our midst whose work and civic
endeavors have enhanced the quality of life in their communities and the
great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
past Chief Michael F. Ryan for 50 years of dedicated fire service to the
Solvay Volunteer Fire Department to be celebrated with a gathering at
the Solvay Fire Department Station 1 on Saturday, July 14, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1895, the Solvay Volunteer Fire Department
is located immediately west of the City of Syracuse, covering the
suburbs of Solvay, Westvale, and the Town of Geddes in Onondaga County,
New York; the department protects about 15,000 residents, in 7.7 square
miles of land, and roughly 3 miles of Onondaga Lake shoreline; and

WHEREAS, The Solvay Volunteer Fire Department's district is densely
populated, with a mix of residential, commercial, and heavy industry;
the department responds to over 1,500 calls annually, making Solvay one
of the busiest fire departments in Onondaga County; and

WHEREAS, On March 5, 1968, Michael "Mike" Ryan made a life-changing
decision and joined the Solvay Volunteer Fire Department's Station 3;
and

WHEREAS, Since joining the Solvay Volunteer Fire Department, Mike
Ryan has moved up the ranks over the years and has served in several
positions including: Fire Department Safety Officer, Lieutenant,
Captain, and Deputy Fire Chief; and

WHEREAS, From 1991 to 1993, Mike Ryan served as the Fire Chief of
the Solvay Volunteer Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Mike Ryan still serves as an active firefighter;
he also works on the corporate team as Vice President and as a member of
the Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, Mike Ryan has additionally been involved in fire service at
the county-level, serving as President of the Onondaga County Fire

Chief's Association and the Onondaga County Firemen's Association; he
has also served on several committees within the two associations; and

WHEREAS, At the New York State level, Mike Ryan has held several
well-respected positions within the Firemen's Association of the State
of New York (FASNY), such as Sergeant-at-Arms and President; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Sharon, and their
two daughters, Melissa and Kristen, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, Mike Ryan is currently employed by the New York State
Department of Agriculture & Markets at the New York State Fair; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and having contributed to the growth and excellence of this
great Empire State, Mike Ryan, in every capacity in which he served, has
left a permanent mark on the Solvay Volunteer Fire Department; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor past Chief Michael F. Ryan for 50 years of dedicated fire service
to the Solvay Volunteer Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to past Chief Michael Ryan.