LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Snyder
Fire Department

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 100th Anni-
versary of the Snyder Fire Department, and to honor its past and present
firefighting members for 100 years of fire protection to the citizens of
Amherst, New York and its surrounding communities; 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 Snyder 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, Officially incorporated on April 13, 1916, the Snyder Fire
Department is an all-volunteer fire department which provides fire,
rescue and emergency medical service to approximately 20,000 residents
in a six square mile area within the Town of Amherst, New York; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the Snyder Fire Department has been recog-
nized as a leader in its field, and is known for always boasting a
modern fleet of fire/rescue apparatus and the latest firefighting equip-
ment available; it has also enjoyed a reputable Class 3 rating for many
decades from the venerable Insurance Services Organization; and
WHEREAS, In 1973, the Snyder Fire Department became recognized as the
first volunteer fire department in the United States to offer paramedic
service to its residents, who enjoyed advanced life support care years
before it was offered in other communities; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Snyder Fire Department responds to over 1000 emer-
gency incidents each year, and is staffed by more than 75 volunteer
firefighters who spend countless hours training to improve their fire-
fighting and emergency medical care skills; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Department's members pride themselves on
being interwoven in the fabric of the Snyder community and participate
in numerous community events throughout the year including block
parties, charity races, fundraisers, and fire prevention programs; and
WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Snyder 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 Snyder 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 Snyder Fire Department reflects the history
and development of firefighting over the past century; 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 Snyder Fire Department;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Snyder Fire Department.