Senate Resolution No. 303 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Firefighter Joseph T. White upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 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 Joseph T. White upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 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, 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, Joseph T. White has continually demonstrated a high knowledge and understanding of leadership, training, and educational roles with the department and his crews; and WHEREAS, Born on January 16, 1932, Joseph T. White graduated from Utica Catholic Academy in 1951, before proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Army; and WHEREAS, Joseph T. White joined the Maynard Volunteer Fire Department on January 16, 1975; and WHEREAS, Alongside his duties with the fire department, Joseph T. White dedicated 15 years as the Basketball Coach at St. Peter's Grammar School and 12 years coaching the Notre Dame Boys Varsity Team; a member of the Notre Dame High School Hall of Fame, he also led his teams to five Central Oneida League titles, four Tri-Valley League Championships, four Section Three titles, and a spot in the Final Four of the NYSPHSAA Championship in 1991-92; and WHEREAS, A proud Irishman, Joseph T. White has been an integral part of local traditions and celebrations, especially the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade where he was named Grand Marshal in 1999; and WHEREAS, Joseph T. White is widely recognized for his unwavering commitment to his community, family, and church; with five decades of service with the Maynard Fire Department and a successful career as a basketball coach, he has made a significant impact on countless lives; 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; Joseph T. White is one such firefighter; throughout 50 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 Joseph T. White upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 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 Joseph T. White.