Senate Resolution No. 723 BY: Senator WALCZYK HONORING Firefighter Richard Bush upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 65 years of dedicated service to the Lowville Volunteer 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 Richard Bush upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 65 years of dedicated service to the Lowville Volunteer Fire Department to be celebrated at an Annual Banquet on Saturday, April 22, 2023; and WHEREAS, Richard "Rick" Bush joined the Lowville Volunteer Fire Department in May of 1957; throughout his 65 years of service, he held several positions within the Department including the role of President from 1971-1972, and currently serves as the head of the Truck Committee, being actively involved in the purchases of nearly all apparatuses the Department operates; and WHEREAS, Having received the esteemed designation of Firefighter of the Year three times, Firefighter Richard Bush has always been, and continues to be, a shining example of excellence in his service; he was given the award in 1987 and 2005 for his dedicated time and service, and again in 2011 for his effort in battling a major block fire in downtown Lowville; and WHEREAS, Firefighter Richard Bush participated in many parades throughout his time with the Department, including field day parades, convention parades, and The Lewis County Parades; and WHEREAS, Volunteer 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; Richard Bush is one such firefighter; throughout 65 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 Richard Bush upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 65 years of dedicated service to the Lowville Volunteer Fire Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Firefighter Richard Bush.