Senate Resolution No. 663 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING Chief Dennis Fields upon the occasion of his retirement after 27 years of decorated service to the Oneida Fire Department WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and indebted to our noble firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery every day in the course of their duties; and WHEREAS, 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 congratulate Chief Dennis Fields upon the occasion of his retirement after 27 years of decorated service to the Oneida Fire Department; and WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State are renowned throughout the Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the arduous field of fire protection and prevention; and WHEREAS, Chief Dennis Fields has consistently demonstrated a level of commitment, dedication, integrity and professionalism which truly exemplifies the mission of the Oneida Fire Department; and WHEREAS, Dennis Fields began his life of public service in 1991, with the Griffiss Air Force Base Fire Department before joining the Oneida Fire Department five years later in December of 1996; through the years, he climbed the ranks to become Chief in 2018, the esteemed position from which he will officially retire in May of 2023; and WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure, Chief Dennis Fields was instrumental in fighting some of the city's largest fires, including the Stanton Paper Box Co. fire, the CSX Transportation train derailment and explosion, and the City Lanes fire; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, in recognition of his heroic acts in saving the life of a fellow firefighter, Chief Dennis Fields was awarded the Charles V. Decker Medal of Valor, making him one of only two people in the department's history to receive this award; and WHEREAS, For nearly three decades, Chief Dennis Fields rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the Oneida Fire Department, earning the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and WHEREAS, Firefighters such as Chief Dennis Fields unwaveringly serve our great State with pride, valor, and integrity; this extraordinary man's leadership and willingness to step up throughout his career has truly set an example to be emulated by all; and WHEREAS, Chief Dennis Fields is the epitome of the phrase "Living a Life of Service"; the City and its Fire Department owe the Chief a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid, nor will his distinguished service ever be forgotten; 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; Chief Dennis Fields is such a firefighter; throughout his years of devoted service, this firefighter has 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 congratulate Chief Dennis Fields upon the occasion of his retirement after 27 years of decorated service to the Oneida Fire Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Chief Dennis Fields.