Senate Resolution No. 769

BY: Senator YOUNG

HONORING Peter G. Dawson upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition after 55 years
of dedicated service to the Lakewood Volunteer Fire
Department

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor fire departments and their members who have exhibited great
dedication, courage and selflessness in protecting their neighbors from
fire and other disasters in this great Empire State; and

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Peter G. Dawson for 55 years of service to the Lakewood Volunteer Fire
Department; and

WHEREAS, Volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel not
only provide the critical service of fire protection and medical care,
but also engage in other activities of great benefit and importance to
the communities they serve; and

WHEREAS, Peter G. Dawson was born on November 15, 1942, in
Rochester, New York, to loving parents, Lawrence and Elsie Dawson; he
attended Southwestern Central in Jamestown, Edgewater High School in
Orlando, Jamestown Community College, La Sorbonne in Paris, and Parsons
College in Fairfield, Iowa; and

WHEREAS, Peter G. Dawson was employed as a Real Estate Broker/Owner
from 1971-1990, Director of Personnel for Heritage Village Health Care
from 1990-1993, New York State Fire Instructor from 1973-1978, and he
entered Sales for the Sewing Technology Uniform Company from 2010-2016;
and

WHEREAS, Peter G. Dawson is a loving husband of Linda A. Dawson, and
together they are the proud parents of three children, Campbell, Thomas
and Patrick; they have been further blessed with five grandchildren,
Miles, Sydney, Olivia, Owen, and Ophelia; and

WHEREAS, Peter G. Dawson's favorite pastimes include traveling,
watching movies, dining, sailing, and most importantly, spending quality
time with his grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his 55 outstanding years, as part of the fire
service in Chautauqua County, Peter G. Dawson has served as a Fire
Chief, State Fire Instructor, Fire Advisory Board Member, President of

the County Fire Chiefs Association, Co-Creator of the County Technical
Rescue Team, and the County Fire Service Newsletter; and

WHEREAS, Over the last 20 years, Peter G. Dawson has served as
Chaplain of the Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department; in addition, he was
appointed Chaplain of the Jamestown, Falconer and Ripley Fire
Departments, County Critical Incident Stress Management Team, Starflight
Medivac, WCA Hospital, the Hazardous Materials Response Team, the
Lakewood-Busti Police Department, and the Office of the Sheriff; in this
capacity, he has conducted 202 services, 185 of which have been
funerals; and

WHEREAS, Peter G. Dawson is an engaging personality who possesses a
unique combination of wit and humor with deep compassion and caring; he
has provided comfort to countless victims in emergency situations and
has counseled first responders who have answered the call of duty in
traumatic circumstances; and

WHEREAS, Peter G. Dawson's Chaplaincy has been the most rewarding
and fulfilling experience of his life, after fatherhood; his resume of
accomplishments and profound dedication to the community over his long
career are impressive and the perfect model of what it means to be an
exemplary citizen; 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 their heroic good works as
volunteer firefighters in this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Peter G. Dawson upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 55 years of dedicated service to the Lakewood
Volunteer Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Peter G. Dawson.