LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Rural/Metro Medical Services upon the
occasion of receiving the Large Business of the Year Award from the
Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those illus-
trious individuals and institutions of the State of New York whose
purposeful endeavors serve to enhance the quality of life in their
communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend
Rural/Metro Medical Services upon the occasion of receiving the Large
Business of the Year Award from the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Rural/Metro Medical Services will be honored at the Cheekto-
waga Chamber of Commerce's 43rd Annual Awards Dinner, to be held on June
9, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The history of Rural/Metro Medical Services goes back more
than 50 years when founder Lou Witzeman became concerned that his neigh-
borhood did not have a fire truck, pooled together some money and bought
one; and
WHEREAS, A private sector company, Rural/Metro Medical Services is
dedicated to finding the most cost-effective way to deliver the highest
quality ambulance transportation and fire protection services; and
WHEREAS, In 1969, Rural/Metro Medical Services began operating ambu-
lance services independently of its fire operations; one of the largest
ambulance companies in North America today, it provides 911 emergency
and non-emergency medical transportation services, as well as a variety
of private fire protection services; and
WHEREAS, A patient-focused organization, Rural/Metro Medical Services
is dedicated to protecting lives in the communities it serves; it moved
into the Western New York market in 1995 by acquiring the Towns Ambu-
lance Company, Inc. and LaSalle Ambulance, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, The premier provider of health and safety solutions in West-
ern New York, Rural/Metro Medical Services provides services to more
than two dozen municipalities in Erie and Niagara Counties and its crews
respond to more than 100,000 calls each year; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Rural/Metro Medical Services provides Emergency
Stand-By Service at many of the major sporting and cultural events in
the area, including Ralph Wilson Stadium, Shea's Performing Arts Center
and Coca-Cola Field; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and businesses of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought
to our attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend
those individuals for the edification and emulation of others; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Rural/Metro Medical Services upon the occasion of receiving the
Large Business of the Year Award from the Cheektowaga Chamber of
Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rural/Metro Medical Services.