K 93: Honoring Frank P. Raquet upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the East Amherst Fire Department

 Assembly Resolution No. 93 BY: M. of A. McMahon HONORING Frank P. Raquet upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the East Amherst 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 selfless dedication merit tribute and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Frank P. Raquet upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the East Amherst Fire Department; and WHEREAS, Frank P. Raquet was born on April 5, 1956, and raised near Transit Road in the Transit Fire Company's fire district; on April 5, 1974, his 18th birthday, he officially became a new member of the Transit Fire Company, following a long line of family members who were involved in the volunteer fire service; on April 1, 1992, the Company was renamed the East Amherst Fire Department; and WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Department, Frank P. Raquet has faithfully served his community as Lieutenant, House Captain, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors; he was also a Member and Chairman of numerous projects and committees; additionally, he was involved in the Department's softball, bowling, and golf teams; and WHEREAS, On November 3, 1984, Frank P. Raquet was seriously injured while battling an arson fire, resulting in permanent injuries and physical disabilities; however, he did not let the event deter his love for the Department and a desire to help others, and he continues to be an integral part of the operations of the East Amherst Fire Department; his 50 years of service, dedication, and grit are true inspirations for all; and WHEREAS, Frank P. Raquet was the recipient of the Western New York American Legion Community and Citizens Service Award in 1985 and the East Amherst Fire Department's Chief's Award and President's Award in 1992; and WHEREAS, Frank P. Raquet has consistently demonstrated a level of commitment, dedication, integrity, and professionalism which truly exemplifies excellence in the volunteer service; 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; Frank P. Raquet is such a firefighter; throughout his 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 Frank P. Raquet upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated service to the East Amherst Fire Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Frank P. Raquet.