Senate Resolution No. 513 BY: Senator STEC HONORING Adrian J. Bush upon the occasion of his designation as Firefighter of the Year by the St. Lawrence County Chiefs Association 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 Adrian J. Bush upon the occasion of his designation as Firefighter of the Year by the St. Lawrence County Chiefs Association; and WHEREAS, For 46 years, Adrian J. Bush has consistently demonstrated a level of commitment, dedication, integrity and professionalism which truly exemplifies excellence in the volunteer service; and WHEREAS, Adrian J. Bush began his illustrious fire service career with the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department right after high school; he immediately realized the importance of training and started taking as many classes as he could beginning with Firefighting Essentials in 1975, and continues to do so today; and WHEREAS, Throughout his extraordinary tenure which traversed nearly five decades, Adrian J. Bush has served in various leadership positions, including as Lieutenant for four years, Captain for four years, and Assistant Chief for three years, as well as three tours as Chief (1987-1990, 1992-1993, 1996-1997); and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he served as a Training Officer and as a member of the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors for over 30 years, serving in the esteemed position of President for two years (1994-1995); and WHEREAS, Adrian J. Bush has also served on numerous committees within the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department, including the 100-year Centennial Committee; he gave more than 40 years of his time and energies working the Labor Day Celebrations and chairing the Annual Banquet; and WHEREAS, In addition, he was a member of the department's race team known as the Snails, participating in the team's new car building, fundraising, and racing every weekend; and WHEREAS, A charter member of the Norfolk Fire Rescue Squad, in 1981 Adrian J. Bush played a vital role in the transfer of the squad from the fire department to the current Norfolk Rescue Squad of today; he held several positions in the squad and was an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT); and WHEREAS, With a steadfast commitment to fire service, Adrian J. Bush is a current member of the Norfolk Fire District Board of Commissioners where he has served for 22 years; he has held the position of Board Chairman and has been instrumental in the purchase of new apparatus, equipment and building projects; he continues to keep a keen eye on district issues and is not shy to voice his opinion, earning the admiration, esteem and respect of his colleagues; and WHEREAS, Adrian J. Bush has been a member of the county Fire Advisory Board for over 27 years, as well as an active member of the St. Lawrence County Fire Chiefs Association for 20 years, where he has held the positions of 1st Vice President and Director (2013-2015); he is a staunch supporter of the Believe NNY program, and is a life member of the NNY Fireman's Association serving since 1991; and WHEREAS, Firefighters such as Adrian J. Bush 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; Adrian J. Bush is such a firefighter; throughout 46 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 Adrian J. Bush upon the occasion of his designation as Firefighter of the Year by the St. Lawrence County Chiefs Association; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Adrian J. Bush.