Assembly Resolution No. 845

BY: M. of A. Crouch

COMMENDING Carl French upon the occasion of his
retirement after 55 years of distinguished service
to the Unadilla 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Carl French upon the occasion of his retirement after 55 years
of distinguished service to the Unadilla Fire Department, to be
celebrated at a party held in his honor on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at
Brooks House of Barbecue in Oneonta, New York; and

WHEREAS, Carl French joined the Unadilla Fire Department in November
of 1962; throughout his 55 years of service, he has held several
positions within the Department including: First Assistant Chief for six
years, Second Assistant Chief for eight years, and Chief for 16 years;
and

WHEREAS, Throughout his esteemed career, Carl French has taken more
than 50 fire training courses, including classes at the New York State
Fire Training Academy in Montour Falls, New York, and two classes at the
National Fire Academy in Maryland; always willing to share his vast
knowledge and skills, he has been very active in training his fellow
firefighters; and

WHEREAS, Since March of 1983, Carl French has served as the OC-4
County Coordinator; in this capacity, he has graciously donated hundreds
of hours of his time coordinating outside organizations helping the
village during two village floods in 2006 and 2011; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Carl French has held the titles of Juvenile
Intervention Coordinator, and President of both the New York State
Association of Fire Chief's and Fireman's Association of the State of
New York, and was a vital member of numerous new truck committees and a
new firehouse committee; and

WHEREAS, A proud and devoted member of his community, Carl French
has proudly served as a judge for the community parade for the last 10
years; 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;
Carl French is such a firefighter; throughout 55 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 Carl French upon the occasion of his retirement after 55 years
of distinguished service to the Unadilla Fire Department, and to wish
him continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Carl French.