LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Vails
Gate Fire Company, New Windsor, New York

WHEREAS, The Vails Gate Fire Company was established in 1910 and
provides fire, rescue, and first medical services to the residents of
the Town of New Windsor; and
WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State are renowned throughout
the Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the ardu-
ous field of fire protection and prevention; and
WHEREAS, Since the early days of "teapot steamers," the volunteer
firefighter has been the cornerstone of our great Nation's efforts to
spare us from the ravages of fire; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the Vails Gate Fire Company, New Windsor,
New York, and to honor its past and present firefighting members for 100
years of fire protection to the citizens of the New Windsor community;
this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at the Company's Annual
Dinner, to be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010, at Anthony's Pier 9 in
New Windsor, New York; 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 Vails Gate Fire Company in
New Windsor, 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 Vails Gate Fire Company 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 Vails Gate Fire Company 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 Vails Gate Fire Company reflects the histo-
ry 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 Vails Gate Fire Compa-
ny, New Windsor, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Stephen A. Bedetti, President, and Gerald Bohr, Chief, Vails
Gate Fire Company, New Windsor, New York 12553.