Senate Resolution No. 1161
BY: Senator GRIFFO
HONORING Fire Chief Kevin Kalk upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the New York
State 2025 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award by
the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs on
June 5, 2025
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
nation; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Fire Chief
Kevin Kalk upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the New
York State 2025 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award by the New York
State Association of Fire Chiefs at its 119th Annual Conference on
Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Syracuse, New York; and
WHEREAS, Fire Chief Kevin Kalk of Barneveld Volunteer Fire
Department has consistently demonstrated a level of commitment,
dedication, integrity, and professionalism which truly exemplifies
excellence in the fire service; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the Barneveld Firehouse
experienced a structural collapse of the main part of the building due
to an accumulation of heavy snow; and
WHEREAS, As a result of Fire Chief Kevin Kalk's able and swift
leadership, the department was able to save much of the equipment and
fire engines necessary to continue responding to emergencies; and
WHEREAS, A testament to the resilience of the members of the
department, the Barneveld fire house is set to be rebuilt over the
course of the next one to two years; and
WHEREAS, According to the New York State Association of Fire Chief,
recipients of the Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year Award must
"demonstrate exemplary leadership that not only benefits an individual
fire department, but also the fire and emergency services of the State
of New York"; the selfless leadership and vast experience which Fire
Chief Kevin Kalk brings to the field of fire service undoubtedly
embodies the purpose of the award; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Fire Chief Kevin Kalk has graciously served the Barneveld
Volunteer Fire Department for 14 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;
Kevin Kalk is such a firefighter; throughout his years of devoted
service, he heroically performed, above and beyond the call of duty,
those responsibilities which define the task of fire protection, justly
warranting this special honor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Fire Chief Kevin Kalk upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the New York State 2025 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year
Award by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs on June 5, 2025;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Fire Chief Kevin Kalk.
