LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the l75th Anniversary of the Rhine-
beck Fire Department, to be celebrated on September 26, 2009

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 175th Anni-
versary of the Rhinebeck Fire Department and to honor its past and pres-
ent firefighting members for 175 years of fire protection to the citi-
zens of Rhinebeck, New York, and its surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after the Village of Rhinebeck was incorporated in
1834, the Rhinebeck Village Trustees passed an ordinance to create a
fire company; on July 7, 1834, the Rhinebeck Fire Department was founded
to provide fire protection to the inhabitants of the Village; and
WHEREAS, The Rhinebeck Fire Department originally consisted of the
H.S. Kipp Hose Company and the Relief Hook & Ladder Company, and would
grow to six volunteer fire companies; the additional four companies
were: the Pocahontas Engine Company, the William M. Sayer Steamer Compa-
ny, the Rapid Hose Company, and the W. W. Schell Company; and
WHEREAS, On April 5, 1940, the Associated fire department dissolved to
become the Rhinebeck Fire Department; the two companies still holding
meetings were run by the chief until 1952, when department company offi-
cers, a president and vice president, came into being; in 1963 the two
companies dissolved to become the Rhinebeck Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, In 1971, the Rhinebeck Fire Department moved into the present
firehouse, located on East Market Street and Center Street, which is
also the Village Hall and contains the business offices for the Village;
and
WHEREAS, In 1970, the Rhinebeck Fire Department absorbed the Rhinebeck
Rescue Squad, which was formed in 1954 by Edgar W. Harvey and Donald S.
Dapson and consisted of 18 members, into the fire department; prior to
that time, ambulance service was provided by Northern Dutchess Hospital;
and
WHEREAS, An all-volunteer department for the past 175 years, the
Rhinebeck Fire Department has responded to more than 15,000 fire and
emergency calls since its inception in 1834; and
WHEREAS, The Rhinebeck Fire Department currently consists of approxi-
mately 80 members, 40 of which are active firefighters; it is led by
Chief Doug Eighmy, First Assistant Chief Rick Dorrer, Second Assistant
Chief Kevin Asher, President Kyle Eighmy and Vice President Bruce
Fraleigh; and
WHEREAS, Fire departments are an integral part of community protection
services in every locality of our State; during the past 175 years, the
courageous and devoted firefighters of the Rhinebeck 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, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Rhinebeck Fire Department in public service and fire protection is
one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year, for 175
years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble volunteers left their
homes and went to the aid of their neighbors; and
WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of the Rhinebeck 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
WHEREAS, In addition to the skill and devoted service demonstrated by
individual firefighters, the Rhinebeck Fire Department reflects the
history and development of firefighting over the past 175 years; 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, 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 volunteer 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 175th Anniversary of the Rhinebeck Fire Depart-
ment, to be celebrated on September 26, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Rhinebeck Fire Department.