J 41: Honoring Jose DaRocha upon the occasion of 58 years of dedicated service to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 41 BY: Senator MARTINS HONORING Jose DaRocha upon the occasion of 58 years of dedicated service to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York WHEREAS, New York State firefighters are renowned throughout the Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the arduous field of fire protection and prevention; and WHEREAS, Jose DaRocha will be recognized for his 58 years of dedicated service to The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), including his accomplished 7 years as Director, at a Testimonial Luncheon on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Albertson Hook & Ladder, Engine and Hose Company No. 1, in Albertson, New York; and WHEREAS, FASNY has been dedicated to informing, educating, and training the volunteer fire service in New York State since its inception in 1872; from its humble beginning, the organization has grown into one of the largest volunteer firefighting organizations in the country; and WHEREAS, FASNY hosts annual conventions and EMS conferences with nationally known expert presenters, and offers training at departments across the state that not only fulfill requirements, but keep the professional volunteer firefighter performing at the highest level; and WHEREAS, Serving as the voice of New York State's 110,000 volunteer firefighters both in Albany and on the national level, FASNY lobbies for critical legislation like presumptive cancer coverage for volunteers and laws that protect the public as well as firefighters; and WHEREAS, This vital organization also provides support in the form of member benefits and strength as the steward of one of the country's oldest such organizations; and WHEREAS, Jose DaRocha joined FASNY on July 11, 1966, and has been a dedicated member since, rising through various ranks and positions throughout his tenure, such as: Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain, Second Assistant Chief, First Assistant Chief, Chief, Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Recording Secretary, Trustee at the Firemen's Home, Trustee, and his current esteemed position as Director on the Board which he has held since 2017; and WHEREAS, An extension of his position as Director, Jose DaRocha also has the honor of serving as Vice Chair of the Capital Projects Committee, is a Member of the Convention and Exhibit Committee, is a Member of the Membership Committee, and is a Liaison to the Chaplains Committee; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to express its highest admiration for Jose DaRocha, and to wish him continued success in his service and all his future endeavors; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Jose DaRocha upon the occasion of 58 years of dedicated service to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Jose DaRocha.