Senate Resolution No. 1893

BY: Senator HELMING

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Alton
Fire Company

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 100th
Anniversary of the Alton Fire Company and to honor its past and present
members for a century of dedicated fire protection, emergency response,
and community service to the residents of its fire district and
surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, Fire departments are an integral part of community
protection services in every municipality of our State; for 100 years,
the courageous and devoted members of the Alton Fire Company have
responded to emergencies with professionalism, skill, and an unwavering
commitment to the safety and well-being of their neighbors; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1926, with the opening of its original fire
station, the Alton Fire Company has grown alongside the community it
serves, continually adapting to meet the evolving needs of fire
protection and emergency response; and

WHEREAS, In 1970, the Company marked a significant milestone with
the construction of a new fire station, strengthening its ability to
serve the community, followed by continued expansion and improvements,
including an addition to the station completed in 1982; and

WHEREAS, The Alton Fire Company has demonstrated a longstanding
commitment to modernization and preparedness, including the purchase of
Engine 56 in 1973, the second engine placed into service, and the
acquisition of its first set of hydraulic rescue tools in 1982; and

WHEREAS, The Company has repeatedly answered the call beyond its own
district, including deploying a 1943 pumper to assist in Buffalo during
the Blizzard of 1977, responding to mutual aid requests during major
flooding in the Binghamton area, and, most recently, assisting with a
large wildfire incident downstate in 2024; and

WHEREAS, In 2008, demonstrating innovation in rescue capabilities,
the Alton Fire Company placed an airboat into service for ice and
cold-water rescues on Sodus Bay, contributing to multiple successful
life-saving operations; and

WHEREAS, The Company has also played a vital role in emergency
medical services, providing service to the fire district in the Towns of
Sodus and Huron until 2018; and

WHEREAS, Beyond emergency response, the Alton Fire Company has
remained deeply rooted in community engagement, historically hosting
annual carnivals through the mid-20th century and continuing today to
organize events, fundraisers, and open houses that foster public trust,
promote education, and enhance recruitment; and

WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifice of the members of the Alton
Fire Company exemplify the highest ideals of volunteerism, as they stand
ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to protect life and property; 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 make that responsibility their
own through service as volunteer firefighters; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
proudly commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Alton Fire Company,
recognizing a century of exemplary service and dedication to its
community; and be it further

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