Senate Resolution No. 1419

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 125th Anniversary of the New
Hartford Fire Department

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
Anniversary of the New Hartford Fire Department and to honor its past
and present firefighting members for 125 years of fire protection for
the citizens of New Hartford, New York; 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, Volunteer fire companies are an integral part of community
protection services in every locality of our State; during the past 125
years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of the New Hartford 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 January 3, 1926, the Village of New Hartford, New York,
established its fire department; this vital part of the community was
formed when 20 men who thought their village deserved better protection
took the initiative; and

WHEREAS, The Village Board agreed to furnish four rubber coats, six
lanterns, the necessary funds for a hose cart, and a suitable building
as a firehouse; the bell of the Presbyterian Church was designated as an
alarm; and

WHEREAS, Through the decades, the New Hartford Fire Department has
been a local leader in the fire service; in 1916, New Hartford was the
first village of its size to have a motorized fire apparatus; in 1940, a
first-aid program was introduced to its members, starting the journey of
more than 85 years of first-response medical service to the citizens of
New Hartford; and

WHEREAS, The New Hartford Fire Department is a true department of
New Hartford's government; its chief and 10 fire officers are elected by
the Department's members; and

WHEREAS, The Department consists of other services which have been
added through the years; the Emergency Medical Service (EMS), hazardous
materials response, and technical rescue are just a few; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, the New Hartford Firemen's Benevolent
Association, Inc., which was founded in 1932, was formed to maintain the
health and welfare of its members; "civil" officers include a president,
vice president, treasurer, and secretary; all current and former active
members of the Department comprise the Association; and

WHEREAS, Today, the New Hartford Fire Department remains one of the
busiest volunteer fire departments in Oneida County, answering an
average of 100 calls per month; since 1901, the Department has answered
more than 45,000 alarms; in 2025, the Department answered 1,200 calls
for service, an average of three calls per day; and

WHEREAS, Thousands of hours go into training firefighters and EMTs;
since 1901, 875 individuals have answered the call for service; of those
875, 108 are currently active; collectively, New Hartford firefighters
have given 9,000 years to the community; today, the Department operates
three engine companies, a truck company, two rescues, two EMS units, a
utility squad, a utility terrain vehicle (UTV), two command vehicles,
and a drone; and

WHEREAS, With its impressive force of caring firefighters, the
record of the New Hartford Fire Department in public service and fire
protection is one to be applauded; for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,
for 125 years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble men and women
selflessly and tirelessly risked their lives to 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, 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 125th Anniversary of the New Hartford Fire
Department; and be it further

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