LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Fire
Bell Club of New York

WHEREAS, The Fire Bell Club of New York was organized on February 10,
1939, with just 22 members and today consists of 138 active members; and
WHEREAS, In 1945, New York City Fire Commissioner Frank Quayle author-
ized the issuance of official Fire Department of New York (FDNY) gold
badges to be displayed by Fire Bell Club members at the scene of FDNY
operations; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Fire Bell Club of New York receives widespread
praise and recognition by FDNY and the fire service community at large
for successfully continuing its tradition of promoting and preserving
the services, ideals and history of the department; and
WHEREAS, Club members are regularly involved in service and support of
FDNY activities and functions, and contribute a vast amount of time and
energy promoting fire prevention, fire safety and support, including the
publishing of a monthly newsletter which is an authoritative source of
information pertaining to the FDNY; and
WHEREAS, On September 11, 2001, three active members of the Fire Bell
Club of New York died while in the prime of their lives and fire service
careers; these brave individuals included Captain Terence S. Hatton of
Rescue Company 1; Lieutenant David J. Fontana of Squad 1; and Lieutenant
Andrew A. Fredericks of Squad 18; also lost on 9/11 were Honorary
Members First Deputy Commissioner William M. Feehan; Chief of Department
Peter J. Ganci, Jr.; and Assistant Chief Donald J. Burns; and
WHEREAS, The Fire Bell Club of New York endows a scholarship for FDNY
members; and
WHEREAS, The Fire Bell Club of New York also established its own medal
in 1984 which honors a yearly recipient as well as the yearly winner of
the James Gordon Bennett Medal, FDNY's highest honor; and
WHEREAS, Among many illustrious members was founding member Frank
Brannigan, honored with the Fire Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award
for his outstanding career contributions that have profoundly influenced
the fire service; and
WHEREAS, Frank Brannigan informed firefighters throughout the Nation
of the understanding of building construction and their hazards in fire-
fighting operations; his hugely successful book, BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
FOR THE FIRE SERVICE, shows firefighters how to recognize the signs of
building collapse before it happens; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Higgins, who has served as President of the Fire Bell
Club of New York since 1997, was employed for over 40 years with the
FDNY Bureau of Communications; under his leadership, the Club has pros-
pered and continued the long history of friendship and service to the
department; and
WHEREAS, The Fire Bell Club of New York is committed to faithfully
continuing its support and friendship with the FDNY into the future; 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 acknowledge publicly the heroic good works
performed by the fire departments of this great Empire State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
proudly commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Fire Bell Club of New
York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joseph Higgins, President, Fire Bell Club of New York.