Senate Resolution No. 1898

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of the Utica
Fire Department

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the
Anniversary of the Utica Fire Department and to honor its past and
present firefighting members for 150 years of fire protection to the
citizens of Utica, New York, and its surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated at a
Sesquicentennial Dinner, hosted by the Utica Fire Department Historical
Society, at the Doubletree Hotel in Utica, New York, on Saturday, June
1, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery every
day in the course of their duties; firefighters exemplify the power of
human compassion and the strength of the American spirit through actions
of the most heroic magnitude; their sacrifices and selfless dedication
merit tribute and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and

WHEREAS, Fire companies 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 the Utica 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 1, 1874, the Utica Fire Department was established
by an act of the New York State Legislature; the Department was
comprised of 60 firefighters, one Chief and two assistants, seven
stations, four steamer companies, and one truck company; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the decades since its inception, the Utica Fire
Department has increased its firefighting arsenal by adding stations and
truck companies, a water tower, a salvage company, Emergency Medical
Response (EMR) which includes two firefighter/EMTs, a pickup truck, and
an ambulance service; and

WHEREAS, Presently, under Chief Scott Ingersoll, the Utica Fire
Department boasts 134 firefighters, six stations, a regional fire
academy, four engine companies, two truck companies, a rescue company,
and three ambulances; annually, more than 17,000 service calls in the
Utica community receive responses from the dedicated personnel who
selflessly and tirelessly ensure the safety and welfare of their
neighbors; and

WHEREAS, With its impressive force of caring firefighters, the
record of the Utica Fire Department in public service and fire
protection is one to be applauded; for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,
for 150 years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble men and women
provided aid to their neighbors; and

WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of the Utica 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 hazards to life, health, and well-being; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the skill and devoted service demonstrated
by individual firefighters, the Utica Fire Department reflects the
history and development of firefighting over the past 150 years; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude
to those 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 publicly acknowledge the heroic good
works performed by the 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 the Utica Fire Department;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Utica Fire Department.