Honor Firefighter John Bernas

Senate Resolution No. 816 BY: Senator JACOBS HONORING John Bernas upon the occasion of being named a Life Member of the Scranton Volunteer 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 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 being named a Life Member of the Scranton Volunteer Fire Department, to be celebrated at its Annual Installation Dinner; and WHEREAS, Since its incorporation in 1933, the dedicated members of the Scranton Volunteer Fire Department have provided the residents of its fire protection district with an adequate and timely response to their fire or medical emergency; and WHEREAS, In addition, the Scranton Volunteer Fire Department generously supports numerous community functions; and WHEREAS, The Department is the busiest mutual aid company in the township due to its central location between the communities of Armor, Big Tree, Lake Shore, Orchard Park, and the Village of Hamburg; and WHEREAS, Today, the Scranton Volunteer Fire Department responds to over 1,000 fire and EMS calls annually; in addition, the Department 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 Department 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; throughout 20 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 John Bernas upon the occasion of being named a Life Member of the Scranton Volunteer Fire Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to John Bernas.