Senate Resolution No. 302 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Firefighter Theodore S. Kogut upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 55 years of dedicated service to the Maynard Volunteer Fire Department WHEREAS, The volunteer 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, 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 commend Firefighter Theodore S. Kogut upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 55 years of dedicated service to the Maynard Volunteer Fire Department, to be celebrated on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the department's Annual Installation Banquet in Utica, New York; and WHEREAS, Firefighter Theodore S. Kogut has consistently demonstrated a level of commitment, dedication, integrity and professionalism which truly exemplifies excellence in the volunteer service; and WHEREAS, Volunteer firefighters and fire departments not only provide the critical service of fire protection, but also engage in other activities of great benefit and importance to the communities they serve; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure of service, Firefighter Theodore S. Kogut has continually demonstrated a high knowledge and understanding of leadership, training, and educational roles with the department and his crews; and WHEREAS, Theodore S. Kogut joined the Maynard Volunteer Fire Department on January 12, 1970, and has since risen through the ranks, holding the position of Commissioner of the Maynard Fire District since September of 2018; and WHEREAS, Outside of the fire department, Theodore S. Kogut is the CEO of Hammers and Nails, handyman jobs in the Oneida County area, and is a Eucharistic Minister for his church; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Carol; daughters, Laura and Jenifer; and son, Kevin, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his fruitful life and rejoice in his many achievements; 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; Theodore S. Kogut is one such firefighter; throughout 55 years of devoted service, this firefighter 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 commend Firefighter Theodore S. Kogut upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 55 years of dedicated service to the Maynard Volunteer Fire Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Firefighter Theodore S. Kogut.