Senate Resolution No. 280 BY: Senator MARTINS HONORING Firefighter Thomas J. Ryan upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to Protection Fire Engine Company No. 1, Port Washington 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 Firefighter Thomas J. Ryan upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to Protection Fire Engine Company No. 1, Port Washington Fire Department, to be celebrated at its 131st Annual Installation/Inspection Dinner on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the North Hempstead Country Club in Port Washington, New York; and WHEREAS, Thomas J. Ryan has consistently demonstrated a level of commitment, dedication, integrity and professionalism which truly exemplifies excellence in the volunteer service; and WHEREAS, A member of Protection Fire Engine Company No. 1, Port Washington Fire Department since February 1, 1973, Thomas J. Ryan has served on various new truck committees and as company engineer many times throughout his tenure; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his fire company, Thomas J. Ryan is currently on the 8th Battalion Bowling League and serves as Delegate to the Southern New York Fireman's Association; and WHEREAS, Through his years of service, Thomas J. Ryan has proudly worked alongside his sons, Justin and Corey; brothers, ex-Chief Raymond and Bobby; and his late father, Robert, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; 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; Thomas J. Ryan is such a firefighter; throughout 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; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Firefighter Thomas J. Ryan upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to Protection Fire Engine Company No. 1, Port Washington Fire Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Firefighter Thomas J. Ryan.