Senate Resolution No. 627 BY: Senator MARTINS HONORING Firefighter Joseph M. Santos upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 20 years of dedicated service to the Williston Park 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 Joseph M. Santos upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 20 years of dedicated service to the Williston Park Fire Department to be celebrated at its Annual Dinner on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Milleridge Cottage in Jericho, New York; and WHEREAS, Since entering service on March 1, 2005, Joseph M. Santos has consistently demonstrated a level of commitment, dedication, integrity and professionalism which truly exemplifies excellence in the volunteer service; and WHEREAS, Joseph M. Santos has served the Williston Park Fire Department with distinction as a member of Hook and Ladder Company 2; and WHEREAS, During his 20 years as a firefighter, Joseph M. Santos has served as Company 2's Recording Secretary: 2012-2014, 1st Lieutenant: 2015-2017, and Company Captain: 2022-2023; and WHEREAS, 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; Joseph M. Santos is such a firefighter; throughout 20 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 Joseph M. Santos upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 20 years of dedicated service to the Williston Park Fire Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Firefighter Joseph M. Santos.