Honor John Bernas for Service

Senate Resolution No. 3613 BY: Senator JACOBS HONORING John Bernas upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2018 Service Award by the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company 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 John Bernas upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2018 Service Award by the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., to be celebrated at its Annual Installation Dinner; and WHEREAS, Since its incorporation in 1933, the dedicated members of the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company have provided the residents of its fire protection district with an adequate and timely response to their fire or medical emergency; and WHEREAS, Through the last 85 years, the Company has accomplished numerous goals and seen many changes and improvements including the formation of a Ladies Auxiliary; the construction of a large hall; the purchase of a 1928 LaFrance Pumper, Port-A-Power Unit, and a generator for the rescue truck; and the formation of an Emergency First Aid Squad and Junior Firemen; as well as updating of firefighting equipment and procedures; and WHEREAS, Today, the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company responds to over

1,000 fire and EMS calls annually; in addition, the Company provides mutual aid assistance and support during natural disasters, major catastrophes, or police-related emergencies; and WHEREAS, Through a combination of diligent efforts to attain modern efficiency, constant training and the tireless and devoted service of the firefighters, the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company has emerged as a leader in the cause of fire prevention; 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; John Bernas is such a firefighter; 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 John Bernas upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2018 Service Award by the Scranton Volunteer Fire Company; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to John Bernas.