Senate Resolution No. 816

BY: Senator JACOBS

HONORING John Bernas upon the occasion of being
named a Life Member of the Scranton Volunteer Fire
Department

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble volunteer firefighters who exhibit courage and
bravery every day in the course of their duties; and

WHEREAS, Volunteer 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John Bernas
upon the occasion of being named a Life Member of the Scranton Volunteer
Fire Department, to be celebrated at its Annual Installation Dinner; and

WHEREAS, Since its incorporation in 1933, the dedicated members of
the Scranton Volunteer Fire Department have provided the residents of
its fire protection district with an adequate and timely response to
their fire or medical emergency; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the Scranton Volunteer Fire Department
generously supports numerous community functions; and

WHEREAS, The Department is the busiest mutual aid company in the
township due to its central location between the communities of Armor,
Big Tree, Lake Shore, Orchard Park, and the Village of Hamburg; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Scranton Volunteer Fire Department responds to
over 1,000 fire and EMS calls annually; in addition, the Department
provides mutual aid assistance and support during natural disasters,
major catastrophes, or police-related emergencies; and

WHEREAS, Through a combination of diligent efforts to attain modern
efficiency, constant training and the tireless and devoted service of
the firefighters, the Scranton Volunteer Fire Department has emerged as
a leader in the cause of fire prevention; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters unwaveringly serve our great State with pride,
valor, and integrity; these respected volunteers are often the first to
respond to an emergency, whether the emergency is a fire, transportation
accident, natural disaster, act of terrorism, medical crisis, or spill
of hazardous materials; 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;
John Bernas is such a firefighter; throughout 20 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
honor John Bernas upon the occasion of being named a Life Member of the
Scranton Volunteer Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John Bernas.