Senate Resolution No. 520

BY: Senator HELMING

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the
Pultneyville Fire Company on September 13, 2025

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 100th
Anniversary of the Pultneyville Fire Company and to honor its past and
present firefighting members for a century of fire protection to the
citizens of Pultneyville, New York, and its surrounding communities; 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 Pultneyville Fire
Company have valiantly responded to all types of fire emergencies and
have won the praise and respect of the community which they serve so
diligently; and

WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Pultneyville Fire Company 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 first responders left
their homes and went to the aid of their neighbors; and

WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of the Pultneyville Fire Company are
prepared to risk their lives every day to 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 Pultneyville Fire Company reflects the
history and development of firefighting over the past 100 years; and

WHEREAS, At the inception of the Pultneyville Fire Company, the
early firefighting efforts were limited to bucket brigades and
rudimentary extinguishers; and

WHEREAS, A devastating fire in 1923 prompted the community to take
swift action in the formation of an official fire company; by 1924, two
hose carts and 500 feet of hose were acquired; in 1925, 24 men formally
established the Pultneyville Fire Company (PFC), electing Asa
Courteville as the first fire chief; and

WHEREAS, The company's initial fire alarm system evolved from a
large triangle to church bells and, later, an electric siren; in 1928,
the Pultneyville Fire Company obtained its first fire truck- a 1925
Sanford chemical hose truck, significantly improving response
capability; and

WHEREAS, Over the span of the 1900s, the company experienced much
growth and modernization, including the purchasing and remodeling of its
firehouse; the introduction of the annual Fireman's Field Days
fundraiser; the acquisition of a 1948 Ford pumper-tanker; the selling,
restoration, and reacquisition of the 1925 Sanford truck; the
acquisition and dedication of the first brand-new truck, the 1974
Sanford; and the construction of a new firehouse, funded by creative
fundraising endeavors, such as the hosting of a circus; and


WHEREAS, Recognizing Pultneyville's proximity to Lake Ontario, the
company expanded into water rescues; the company achieved its first
official boat rescue in 1942, and in 1975, acquired a 30-foot Coast
Guard cutter for marine rescue; from the 1990s to 2017, there were
upgrades made to the company's rescue boats, culminating in a
custom-built 28' Boston Whaler; and

WHEREAS, Pultneyville Fire Company remains committed to land and
water safety, adapting to modern challenges through rigorous training
and community support; as a unique volunteer organization where
taxpayers own the equipment, and firefighters own the building, the
company thrives on public contributions and dedication; 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 Pultneyville Fire
Company to be celebrated on September 13, 2025; and be it further

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