LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the North
Branch Volunteer Fire Department

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 100th Anni-
versary of the North Branch Volunteer Fire Department, and to honor its
past and present firefighting members for 100 years of fire protection
to the citizens of North Branch, New York; and
WHEREAS, The North Branch Volunteer Fire Department was established by
38 men on March 17, 1910; its first Chief was R.C. Goebel; and
WHEREAS, The North Branch Volunteer Fire Department joined the Fire-
man's Association of the State of New York on October 30, 1912; and
WHEREAS, In December 1928, the North Branch Volunteer Fire Department
purchased its first motorized firefighting apparatus, a Chevrolet
Pumper; over the next 70 years the Department continued to grow both in
terms of membership and equipment; and
WHEREAS, In 1999, a new modern fire house for the North Branch Volun-
teer Fire Department was built which allowed for more fire trucks and
equipment to be purchased; currently, the Department has five trucks on
active duty, and a variety of firefighting equipment, including Jaws of
Life and one of the only thermal imaging cameras in Sullivan County; and
WHEREAS, To commemorate the historic 100th anniversary of the North
Branch Volunteer Fire Department, there will be a day of festivities, to
be held on Saturday, March 20, 2010; it will feature an open house at
the fire house throughout the day, including demonstrations by fire-
fighters and police officers, music, and many "giveaways" geared toward
fire safety; in addition, all six of the Department's fire trucks will
be on display, as well as its beautiful 1928 Chevrolet Pumper; and
WHEREAS, In the evening of this historic commemorative event, the
festivities will move on to nearby Obernburg, New York, where a centen-
nial banquet and dance will be held; and
WHEREAS, The North Branch, New York, Volunteer Fire Department looks
toward the dawn of its next century of service; its members remain proud
and ready to serve the community of North Branch, New York, and are
dedicated to providing another century of dedication; 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 the North Branch Volunteer Fire
Department in North Branch, New York, 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 North Branch Volunteer 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 North Branch Volunteer 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 North Branch Volunteer 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, 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 North Branch Volunteer
Fire Department, North Branch, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the North Branch Volunteer Fire Department, 20 North Branch
Callicoon Center Highway, Post Office Box 28, North Branch, New York
12766.