Honor Firefighter Richard Cagney

Senate Resolution No. 2044 BY: Senator LARKIN COMMENDING Richard R. Cagney posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Orange County Volunteer Fire Police Association on May 10, 2017 WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and indebted to our valiant firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery every day in the course of their duties; and WHEREAS, 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, Richard R. Cagney heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection for more than five decades; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Richard R. Cagney posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Orange County Volunteer Fire Police Association to be celebrated at its Candlelight Memorial Service on Wednesday, May 10,

2017, at the Cronomer Valley Fire House in Newburgh, New York; and WHEREAS, Born on October 18, 1945, Richard R. Cagney was the son of the late Donald and Mary Burnett Cagney; and WHEREAS, Richard R. Cagney proudly served his country in the United States Marines during the Vietnam War; after his discharge, he returned to New York and worked as a sales representative for IBM and was the owner of Walden Tire Shop and the Walden Feed Shop; and WHEREAS, For numerous years, Richard R. Cagney was a vital member of the Walden Fire Company, where he served as the Current Treasurer of the Department and on the Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, In addition, Richard R. Cagney was the Current Treasurer, past Senior Driver and ex-Captain of the Orange Hose Company No. 1; in addition, he was the former Commissioner of the Walden Fire District, a Walden Fire Police Officer and a member of the Orange County Fire Advisory Board; and WHEREAS, Richard R. Cagney, with his zest for life, has inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; he has enriched the lives of those around him through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and WHEREAS, Richard "Ric" R. Cagney of Walden, New York, died on

November 10, 2016, at the age of 71; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents and his brother, Jack Cagney, Richard R. Cagney is survived by his sister, Janet McGrath; two nephews, Brad McGrath and Bryan McGrath; his sister-in-law, Claire Cagney; and extended family; as well as a legion of fellow firefighters and friends who will long cherish his memory; and WHEREAS, Throughout his meritorious life, Richard R. Cagney touched many lives through his kindness and commitment to service, and, as we recall the loss of this great man, we memorialize his remarkable life and the enormous impact he had on everyone with whom he came in contact; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to convey its grateful appreciation and heartfelt regret in recognition of a courageous firefighter who dedicated his purposeful life and career in faithful service to his family and community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Richard R. Cagney posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Orange County Volunteer Fire Police Association; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Richard R. Cagney.