Honor Sullivan Safety Leader

Senate Resolution No. 42 BY: Senator BONACIC COMMENDING Sullivan County Public Safety Commissioner and Fire Coordinator Richard Martinkovic upon the occasion of his retirement after 38 years of distinguished public service to Sullivan County WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stature of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who are devoted to the welfare of their community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Sullivan County Public Safety Commissioner and Fire Coordinator Richard Martinkovic upon the occasion of his retirement after 38 years of distinguished public service to Sullivan County; and WHEREAS, Richard Martinkovic, affectionately known as Dick, began his service at the county level as a Deputy Fire Coordinator in 1978, rising to Fire Coordinator in 2002; and WHEREAS, Just over a decade ago, Dick Martinkovic was named Sullivan County's Commissioner of Public Safety where he is responsible for the Bureau of Fire, the Office of Emergency Management, 911, Emergency Medical Services, and Probation; he is also tasked with being the DWI Coordinator, Article 75 Hearing Officer, and a liaison with county coroners, the District Attorney's Office and the Sheriff; and WHEREAS, In addition, Dick Martinkovic is empowered to be the acting county manager in the event that something unexpected befalls the actual county manager; and WHEREAS, As the county's chief of public safety, Dick Martinkovic keeps close ties with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, National Park Service, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York City Department of Environmental Conservation, the State Police and area law enforcement agencies, among others; he also serves as President of the New York State Fire Coordinators' Association; and WHEREAS, A true pillar of public safety in Sullivan County for many years, Dick Martinkovic, with his knack for networking, has been instrumental in bringing together all of the key players in public safety to keep the county safe and in a position to respond effectively when necessary; and WHEREAS, Dick Martinkovic is a resident of Liberty, New York, where he served as a village trustee for three years, a town councilman for eight years, and as town supervisor for another eight years; he was also with Verizon, formerly Bell Atlantic, NYNEX and New York Telephone, for

35 years, retiring as service supervisor; and WHEREAS, In his retirement Dick Martinkovic plans to manage properties he owns in Delaware and Florida, spend time with family, and travel more; he will remain involved with the state Fire Coordinators' Association as its immediate past president, and will continue to serve as a firefighter in the Liberty Fire Department; and WHEREAS, For nearly four decades, Dick Martinkovic rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to Sullivan County, earning him the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demonstrated by Dick Martinkovic over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Sullivan County Public Safety Commissioner and Fire Coordinator Richard Martinkovic upon the occasion of his retirement after 38 years of distinguished public service to Sullivan County; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Richard Martinkovic.