LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Massa-
pequa Fire Department, to be celebrated on Saturday, January 30, 2010

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 100th Anni-
versary of the Massapequa Fire Department and to honor its past and
present firefighting members for 100 years of fire protection to the
citizens of Massapequa and its surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, Fire departments are an integral part of community protection
services in every locality of our State; during the past 100 years, the
courageous and devoted firefighters of Massapequa 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 current membership of 290 dedicated firefighters, the
record of the Massapequa Fire Department in public service and fire
protection is one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year,
for 100 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 Massapequa 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 Massapequa Fire Department reflects the
history and development of firefighting over the past 100 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, The first officers of the Massapequa Fire Department were:
William J. Hoffman, Foreman; Christian W. Wentzler, Assistant Foreman;
John Jones, Treasurer, and Howard Collins, Secretary; and
WHEREAS, The Massapequa Fire Department was organized by a group of
local citizens in the fall of 1909 and eventually became incorporated in
New York State on January 14, 1910; this special date is the Depart-
ment's official anniversary date; 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 100th Anniversary of the Massapequa Fire Depart-
ment, to be celebrated on Saturday, January 30, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Massapequa Fire Department.