J 1161: Honoring Fire Chief Kevin Kalk upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the New York State 2025 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs on June 5, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 1161 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Fire Chief Kevin Kalk upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the New York State 2025 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs on June 5, 2025 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 nation; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Fire Chief Kevin Kalk upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the New York State 2025 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs at its 119th Annual Conference on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Syracuse, New York; and WHEREAS, Fire Chief Kevin Kalk of Barneveld Volunteer Fire Department has consistently demonstrated a level of commitment, dedication, integrity, and professionalism which truly exemplifies excellence in the fire service; and WHEREAS, On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the Barneveld Firehouse experienced a structural collapse of the main part of the building due to an accumulation of heavy snow; and WHEREAS, As a result of Fire Chief Kevin Kalk's able and swift leadership, the department was able to save much of the equipment and fire engines necessary to continue responding to emergencies; and WHEREAS, A testament to the resilience of the members of the department, the Barneveld fire house is set to be rebuilt over the course of the next one to two years; and WHEREAS, According to the New York State Association of Fire Chief, recipients of the Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award must "demonstrate exemplary leadership that not only benefits an individual fire department, but also the fire and emergency services of the State of New York"; the selfless leadership and vast experience which Fire Chief Kevin Kalk brings to the field of fire service undoubtedly embodies the purpose of the award; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his community, Fire Chief Kevin Kalk has graciously served the Barneveld Volunteer Fire Department for 14 years; 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; Kevin Kalk 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, justly warranting this special honor; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Fire Chief Kevin Kalk upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the New York State 2025 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs on June 5, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Fire Chief Kevin Kalk.