Assembly Resolution No. 250

BY: M. of A. Finch

HONORING Roger Shalala upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition after 50 years
of dedicated service to the Elbridge Volunteer Fire
Company

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," 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
Roger Shalala upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the Elbridge
Volunteer Fire Company, to be celebrated at its Annual Installation of
Officers Banquet on Saturday, April 22, 2016, at the Spinning Wheel
Restaurant in North Syracuse, New York; and

WHEREAS, Roger Shalala joined the Elbridge Volunteer Fire Company on
December 6, 1966; he quickly learned the tradition, culture, and the
many tools and tactics of fire service; and

WHEREAS, Roger Shalala's commitment to the Elbridge Volunteer Fire
Company is second to none, and he wasted no time in getting heavily
involved with the department; in 1968, only two years after he joined,
Roger Shalala became President of the Elbridge Volunteer Fire Company;
and

WHEREAS, After his service as President, Roger Shalala supported the
Elbridge Volunteer Fire Company as its Secretary for 24 years; and

WHEREAS, Over his tenure, Roger Shalala has gained a wealth of
knowledge and has also become the resident historian of the Elbridge
Volunteer Fire Company; and

WHEREAS, Roger Shalala has participated countless times in parades
with the Elbridge Volunteer Fire Company as a marcher, apparatus driver
and passenger; and

WHEREAS, Roger Shalala has long been a member that his department
can count on, and has always volunteered at the Elbridge Volunteer Fire
Company's fundraisers; he has been the cornerstone of many pancake
breakfasts, chicken and biscuit dinners, and chicken barbecues; 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;
Roger Shalala is such a firefighter; throughout his 50 years of devoted
service, this volunteer heroically performed, above and beyond the call
of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire
protection; and

WHEREAS, Along his journey, Roger Shalala was supported in his
service to the Elbridge Volunteer Fire Company by his late wife of 42
years, Linda; his son, David; daughter, Susan; and his brother, Robert;
as well as his two grandchildren, Miranda and Zachary; 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, Roger Shalala, in every capacity in which he served,
has left a permanent mark on the Elbridge Volunteer Fire Company and his
community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize and honor Roger Shalala upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the
Elbridge Volunteer Fire Company; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Roger Shalala.