Senate Resolution No. 2475

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the
Stanford Heights Fire Department on February 8, 2020

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the
Centennial Anniversary of the Stanford Heights Fire Department and to
honor its past and present firefighting members for 100 years of fire
protection to the citizens of Stanford Heights, New York, and its
surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, This momentous occasion will be celebrated at the
Department's Annual Banquet on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the
Marriott in Albany, 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 Stanford 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, On June 12, 1920, residents of the area known as Stanford
Heights in the Towns of Niskayuna and Colonie, New York, met at Harry
Sharpley's store at 3901 Albany Street in response to a series of severe
fires during the previous year; and

WHEREAS, A week later on June 20, 1920, 43 residents were sworn in
as members of the Stanford Heights Fire Department including George
Harppenger as Chief, Harry Sharpley as Assistant Chief, and H.E. Filkins
as Secretary; the following month, the department purchased land for its
first firehouse at the corner of Amherst and State Street; and

WHEREAS, On March 2, 1921, the Stanford Heights Ladies Auxiliary was
formed and through the years, this vital organization has played an
important and well-appreciated role in supporting the department through
raising funds, lending a hand with social and community events, and
providing firefighters with food and refreshments during or following a
major alarm; and

WHEREAS, During the three years following its formation, the
Stanford Heights Fire Department continued to grow, and on May 23, 1923,
it was deemed a legal entity; two decades later, it became a taxable
district in the Town of Niskayuna, New York; and

WHEREAS, In 1938 the fire department was able to raise enough funds
to replace its existing 1929 Ford Pumper with its first custom-built
fire engine; 17 years later, the District purchased two new stations and
two new trucks for $90,000; Station 1 was built at its current location
at 2240 Central Ave and a small Station 2 was constructed at 250 Morris
Road; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, both stations have undergone several
renovations and additions to accommodate the firefighting and rescue
demands of the growing district; and


WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Stanford 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 100 years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble volunteers left
their homes and went to the aid of their neighbors; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Chief John Courter, the
brave firefighters of the Stanford Heights 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 Stanford Heights Fire Department
reflects the history 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 Stanford Heights Fire
Department on February 8, 2020; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John Courter, Chief, Stanford Heights Fire Department.