Honor Retiring Fire Chief

Assembly Resolution No. 840 BY: M. of A. Ra HONORING ex-Chief Kenneth B. Fairben upon the occasion of his retirement after 50 years of distinguished service to the Reliance Engine Company of the Floral Park Fire Department WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and indebted to our noble 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor ex-Chief Kenneth B. Fairben upon the occasion of his retirement after 50 years of distinguished service to the Reliance Engine Company of the Floral Park Fire Department; and WHEREAS, Kenneth B. Fairben joined the Reliance Engine Company in July of 1970, beginning his illustrious career as a firefighter; and WHEREAS, This respected firefighter rose through the ranks of the Department to serve as 2nd Lieutenant and 1st Lieutenant, as well as Captain in both 1977 and 1993; and WHEREAS, Additionally, ex-Chief Kenneth B. Fairben served as 4th Assistant Chief, 3rd Assistant Chief, 2nd Assistant Chief, 1st Assistant Chief, and Chief of the Department from 1984 - 1985; and WHEREAS, This accomplished man held numerous other roles at Reliance Engine Company and throughout the Department, serving as Battalion Delegate, Nassau County Fire Commission, Department Secretary, Fire Inspector, EMT, MPO, and on numerous committees; and WHEREAS, Ex-Chief Kenneth B. Fairben's knowledge and service spans beyond the Fire Department; his expertise includes Advanced Firefighting, Private Dwelling and Taxpayer Fires, Hazardous Materials, Liquid Propane, Flammable Liquids, Department and Battalion Operations and Emergency Response, just to name a few; and WHEREAS, Throughout his career, which spanned five decades, ex-Chief Kenneth B. Fairben put his life on the line in an effort to protect the safety of others, always working diligently to protect his community and its residents from fire and other dangers; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude to those devoted individuals who recognize that the preservation of life and property is a sacred responsibility and who make that responsibility their own by serving as firefighters; and WHEREAS, In his official acts, ex-Chief Kenneth B. Fairben was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; during his tenure with the Reliance Engine Company of the Floral Park Fire Department, he truly earned the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor ex-Chief Kenneth B. Fairben upon the occasion of his retirement after 50 years of distinguished service to the Reliance Engine Company of the Floral Park Fire Department, recognizing the significant, positive impact he has had on the community and the safety of its residents; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to ex-Chief Kenneth B. Fairben.