Bill Text: NY K00916 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Utica Fire Department
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-05 - adopted [K00916 Detail]
Download: New_York-2023-K00916-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 1898 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of the Utica Fire Department WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the Anniversary of the Utica Fire Department and to honor its past and present firefighting members for 150 years of fire protection to the citizens of Utica, New York, and its surrounding communities; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated at a Sesquicentennial Dinner, hosted by the Utica Fire Department Historical Society, at the Doubletree Hotel in Utica, New York, on Saturday, June 1, 2024; and 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; firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and the strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic magnitude; their sacrifices and selfless dedication merit tribute and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and WHEREAS, Fire companies are an integral part of community protection services in every locality of our State; during the past 150 years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of the Utica Fire Department have valiantly responded to all types of fire emergencies and have won the praise and respect of the community which they serve; and WHEREAS, On June 1, 1874, the Utica Fire Department was established by an act of the New York State Legislature; the Department was comprised of 60 firefighters, one Chief and two assistants, seven stations, four steamer companies, and one truck company; and WHEREAS, Throughout the decades since its inception, the Utica Fire Department has increased its firefighting arsenal by adding stations and truck companies, a water tower, a salvage company, Emergency Medical Response (EMR) which includes two firefighter/EMTs, a pickup truck, and an ambulance service; and WHEREAS, Presently, under Chief Scott Ingersoll, the Utica Fire Department boasts 134 firefighters, six stations, a regional fire academy, four engine companies, two truck companies, a rescue company, and three ambulances; annually, more than 17,000 service calls in the Utica community receive responses from the dedicated personnel who selflessly and tirelessly ensure the safety and welfare of their neighbors; and WHEREAS, With its impressive force of caring firefighters, the record of the Utica Fire Department in public service and fire protection is one to be applauded; for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for 150 years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble men and women provided aid to their neighbors; and WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of the Utica Fire Department are prepared to risk their lives every day to help save the lives of others and to protect homes and property from the destruction caused by fire and hazards to life, health, and well-being; and WHEREAS, In addition to the skill and devoted service demonstrated by individual firefighters, the Utica Fire Department reflects the history and development of firefighting over the past 150 years; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude to those 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that we should give special recognition to those who work so assiduously for the betterment of their communities and publicly acknowledge the heroic good works performed by the fire departments of this great Empire State, their officers, and auxiliaries; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to proudly commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Utica Fire Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Utica Fire Department.