Senate Resolution No. 792 BY: Senator OBERACKER HONORING 1st Assistant Chief Dale C. Smith Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Norwich 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 honor 1st Assistant Chief Dale C. Smith Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Norwich Fire Department, to be celebrated at the Norwich Fire Department Award Dinner on Saturday, April 29, 2023; and WHEREAS, 1st Assistant Chief Dale C. Smith Jr. has consistently demonstrated a level of commitment, dedication, integrity, and professionalism which truly exemplifies excellence in the fire service; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his community, Dale C. Smith Jr. has dedicated over 39 years of service to the Norwich Fire Department, and has served as a fire police member, a Captain, the Vice President of the Association, 2nd Assistant Chief, Codes, and currently, the 1st Assistant Chief; and WHEREAS, Firefighters unwaveringly serve our great State with pride, valor, and integrity; these respected men and women 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; Dale C. Smith Jr. is such a firefighter; throughout his years of devoted service, he 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 1st Assistant Chief Dale C. Smith Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Norwich Fire Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to 1st Assistant Chief Dale C. Smith Jr.