LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Deluge
Hose Company No. 1, to be celebrated on May 30, 2009

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 150th Anni-
versary of Deluge Hose Company No. 1 and to honor its past and present
firefighting members for 150 years of fire protection to the citizens of
Newark, New York, and its surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, One of four companies that comprise the Newark Fire Depart-
ment, Deluge Hose Company No. 1 traces its origins to May 1859, when a
legal notice announcing its formation appeared in the NEWARK COURIER,
along with the names of the 50 original members; and
WHEREAS, The first meeting of the newly formed Deluge Hose Company No.
1 was held on June 1, 1859, and its first officers were elected: Clark
Mason, Foreman; Ira Pratt, Assistant Foreman; Anthony Bristol, Secre-
tary; and Joel H. Prescott, Treasurer; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the election of officers, the members of
Deluge Hose Company No. 1 decided on paying a $.25 membership fee and
dues would be $.10 per month and that the first Wednesday of each month
would be the regular meeting night; and
WHEREAS, The members of Deluge Hose Company No. 1 also decided that
the regulation uniform for the company would consist of an oil silk
glazed cap with cape 12 inches in length attached to the back of the cap
extending half-way around with the number 1 painted on the front piece,
along with a dark blue flannel shirt, a glazed leather belt, and dark or
blue trousers with a stripe on the side; and
WHEREAS, The next day, Deluge Hose Company No. 1 held its second meet-
ing, where all of the members reported to the building in which the
engine was then stored; the engine was brought out on trial and, after
exercise and drill, returned and housed, in all probability, the first
practice class in the history of the Newark Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, From these humble beginnings, Deluge Hose Company No. 1 has
evolved into an efficient organization that has won the praise and
respect of the community it has capably served for the past 150 years;
and
WHEREAS, The Company Officers for Deluge Hose Company No. 1 for 2008-
09 are: Barry Douglas, President; Michael Cole, Vice President; John
Reynolds, Secretary; and Paul Chetney, Treasurer; and
WHEREAS, The Line Officers for Deluge Hose Company No. 1 for 2008-09
are: David Greco, Chief; Robert Orbaker, Captain; Kenneth Graf, First
Lieutenant; and David Healy, Second Lieutenant; and
WHEREAS, Fire departments are an integral part of community protection
services in every locality of our State; during the past 150 years, the
courageous and devoted firefighters of Deluge Hose Company No. 1 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
Deluge Hose Company No. 1 in public service and fire protection is one
to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year, for 150 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 Deluge Hose Company No. 1 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, Deluge Hose Company No. 1 reflects the history
and development of firefighting over the past 150 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 150th Anniversary of Deluge Hose Company No. 1,
to be celebrated on May 30, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Deluge Hose Company No. 1.