LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Palmer Engine and Hose Company of
Kinderhook, New York upon the occasion of its 128th Anniversary

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend the Palmer Engine and
Hose Company upon the occasion of its 128th Anniversary and to honor its
past and present firefighting members for 128 years of fire protection
to the citizens of Kinderhook, New York and its surrounding communities;
and
WHEREAS, The Palmer Engine and Hose Company of the Village of Kinder-
hook, New York will celebrate this auspicious occasion at its Annual
Banquet and Installation of Officers, to be held at Kozels Restaurant in
Ghent, New York on Saturday, April 9, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Fire departments are an integral part of community protection
services in every locality of our State; during the past 128 years, the
courageous and devoted firefighters of the Palmer Engine and Hose Compa-
ny have valiantly responded to all types of fire emergencies and have
won the praise and respect of the community they serve; and
WHEREAS, The Palmer Engine and Hose Company was organized on February
9, 1883, and named in honor of Charles Palmer, for many years the head
of the Kinderhook Fire Department; at the same meeting it was decided
that the officers of the Company would consist of a foreman (the equiv-
alent of today's Chief), first assistant foreman, second assistant fore-
man, secretary, and treasurer; and
WHEREAS, Reflective of the era in which Palmer Engine and Hose Company
was established are references in its records of the parlor of the
Company which was fitted up in excellent style in the Village Hall and
provided with current literature, a billiard table, a pianola piano,
later exchanged for a grafonola, and other means of diversion and was
much frequented by the members of the Company; and
WHEREAS, Just as today many communities are sending letters and pack-
ages to our troops serving overseas, in 1942, the Palmer Engine and Hose
Company sent packages to each of its Company members serving overseas
during World War II for which, in 1943, they received thank you letters
which were read by all members of the Company; and
WHEREAS, Since it was established on August 12, 1954, the members of
the Ladies Auxiliary of the Palmer Engine and Hose Company have self-
lessly served and supported the Company in many ways, preparing dinners
for various occasions, assisting at fundraisers and during fire
prevention programs, responding to headquarters whenever needed and
providing food and refreshments, as well as emotional support, to its
members while on the scene of emergencies; and
WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Palmer Engine and Hose Company in public service and fire protection
is one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year, for 128
years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble volunteers have left
their homes and gone to the aid of their neighbors; and
WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of the Palmer Engine and Hose 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 Palmer Engine and Hose Company reflects the
history and development of firefighting over the past 128 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 commend the Palmer Engine and Hose Company upon the occasion of
the celebration of its 128th Anniversary on April 9, 2011; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Palmer Engine and Hose Company, Kinderhook, New York.