Honor Junior Firefighter Award

Senate Resolution No. 4678 BY: Senator PHILLIPS HONORING John Lodigkeit upon the occasion of his designation as Junior Firefighter of the Year by the Mineola Junior Fire Department WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord with its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John Lodigkeit upon the occasion of his designation as Junior Firefighter of the Year by the Mineola Junior Fire Department, to be celebrated at its 16th Annual Junior's Installation Dinner on Saturday,

April 28, 2018, at the Village of Mineola Hall; and WHEREAS, The Mineola Junior Fire Department, an Explorer Post of the Boy Scouts of America, was organized in April of 1976; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, thousands of young men and women from Mineola and its neighboring communities have participated in the program, and many have gone on to join their local fire department; and WHEREAS, Junior Firefighters such as John Lodigkeit train two days each week and participate in both hands on and classroom training to learn all aspects of being a firefighter; these trainings include topics such as fire suppression, search and rescue, SCBA operations, aerial operations, ground ladders, first aid, and public relations; and WHEREAS, A young man of singular distinction, John Lodigkeit has distinguished himself as a young man of superlative ability, establishing a high standard of excellence and purposefulness of life rarely achieved in youthful years; 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 Lodigkeit desires to be such a firefighter; and WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, John Lodigkeit now stands honorably, with just pride in his accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by Senior Firefighters, mentors, and his parents; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor John Lodigkeit upon the occasion of his designation as Junior Firefighter of the Year by the Mineola Junior Fire Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to John Lodigkeit.