Senate Resolution No. 1521

BY: Senator BORRELLO

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the
Fluvanna Fire Department

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those institutions whose commitment to public service, safety, and
community welfare has contributed significantly to the quality of life
of the citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Fluvanna Fire Department, to be
celebrated on Saturday, May 30, 2026; and

WHEREAS, The Fluvanna Fire Department traces its origins to the
summer of 1925, following a devastating fire in the Elmhurst area that
destroyed numerous cottages and revealed the urgent need for a nearby,
organized fire protection service, as the closest departments at that
time were located in Jamestown, Celoron, and Bemus Point; and

WHEREAS, In response to this need, local residents of the Fluvanna
area, with the assistance of DeForest Peterson, sought guidance from
Douglas Krupp, Clayton Bratt, and Ed Bollman of the Celoron Fire
Department, culminating in a community meeting held on October 15, 1925,
at the local schoolhouse, where the Fluvanna Fire Department was
formally organized; and

WHEREAS, At that historic meeting, Fred B. Strunk was elected
President, Charles G. Sondell as Foreman, Glenn D. Clark as First
Assistant Foreman, and Walter G. Johnson as Second Assistant Foreman,
leading approximately 50 active charter members and 15 social members
who committed themselves to protecting their community; and

WHEREAS, Through membership fees, annual dues, and a determined
fundraising campaign, the fledgling department raised nearly $5,000
toward the purchase of firefighting apparatus, enabling the acquisition
in December 1925 of a Peter Pirsch triple combination pumper chemical
and hose truck, along with essential hose and equipment, and later a
Federal Doublehead Siren Alarm; and

WHEREAS, The department formally applied for membership in the
Chautauqua County Firemen's Association in December 1925, and was
incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in May 1926,
serving the Towns of Ellicott and Ellery under the guidance of a
dedicated board of directors; and

WHEREAS, From its earliest years, the Fluvanna Fire Department
demonstrated extraordinary resilience and community spirit, raising
funds through dances, dinners, fish fries, carnivals, turkey raffles,
bingo, and other events, transforming its fire hall into a vital
community gathering place and sustaining the department through periods
of economic hardship and national crisis; and

WHEREAS, The department and its members responded bravely to
numerous emergencies and tragedies, including the devastating Richfield
fire of June 17, 1934, the fire that damaged the Fluvanna Fire Hall
later that same year, lightning strikes in 1946, transportation
accidents, and countless fires and emergencies throughout the district,
often under challenging conditions and with limited resources; and

WHEREAS, Over the decades, the Fluvanna Fire Department continually
evolved to meet the changing needs of the community through the
establishment of additional stations, the formation of a First Aid Unit,
acquisition of tankers, pumpers, foam trucks, ambulances, emergency and
rescue equipment, installation of underground water tanks, and ongoing
modernization of facilities; and

WHEREAS, The Fluvanna Fire Department has also distinguished itself
through regional and statewide participation, earning accolades such as
the 1940 Trophy for Best Appearing Combined Auxiliary and Company at the
New York State Convention, and through the leadership of members who
served prominently in county and statewide fire service organizations;
and

WHEREAS, From its original charter members in 1926 to the
generations of volunteers who followed, including Edwin Hooper, the last
surviving charter member as of 2001, the Fluvanna Fire Department stands
as a testament to selfless service, civic pride, and unwavering
dedication to the protection of life and property; and

WHEREAS, Today, as it marks 100 years of service, the Fluvanna Fire
Department continues to exemplify the highest ideals of volunteer fire
service, earning the gratitude, respect, and admiration of the citizens
it serves and of this great State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Fluvanna Fire Department,
honoring its rich history, its devoted members past and present, and its
enduring contributions to the safety and well-being of the communities
of Ellicott, Ellery, and the surrounding region; and be it further

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