LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Wash-
ington Heights Fire Department to be celebrated on May 5, 2012

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 50th Anniver-
sary of the Washington Heights Fire Department and to honor its past and
present firefighting members for 50 years of fire protection to the
citizens of Middletown, New York and its surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, The Washington Heights Fire Department will joyfully cele-
brate its 50th Anniversary at its Annual Installation Dinner to be held
at Kuhl's Highland House in Middletown, New York on Saturday, May 5,
2012; and
WHEREAS, This year, the Washington Heights Fire Department will be
recognizing all members, past and present for its Firefighter of the
Year Award; all past Fire Chiefs along with the current Fire Chief will
be recognized for the Fire Officer of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, In addition, all past presidents, including the current pres-
ident of the fire company will be recognized for the President's Award,
and the Chief's Award will be given to Bruce Healy; and
WHEREAS, Fire departments are an integral part of community protection
services in every locality of our State; during the past 50 years, the
courageous and devoted firefighters of the Washington Heights 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 membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Washington Heights Fire Department in public service and fire
protection is one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year,
for 50 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 Washington Heights Fire Depart-
ment 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 Washington Heights Fire Department reflects
the history and development of firefighting over the past 50 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 50th Anniversary of the Washington Heights Fire
Department to be celebrated on May 5, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Washington Heights Fire Department.