Assembly Resolution No. 1098

BY: M. of A. Conrad

COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of the North
Tonawanda Columbia Hook & Ladder Company No. 1

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
150th Anniversary of the North Tonawanda Columbia Hook & Ladder Company
No. 1 and to honor its past and present firefighting members for 150
years of fire protection for the citizens of North Tonawanda, 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 150
years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of the North Tonawanda
Columbia Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 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 May 7, 1876, twenty residents of the Village of North
Tonawanda gathered outside a schoolhouse to form a company for the
protection of property against fire; later that month, on May 15, 1876,
the newly formed company was named the firemen of the Village by the
Village Board; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the North Tonawanda Columbia Hook & Ladder
Company No. 1 is to provide high quality emergency medical, fire
suppression, and rescue services through the skill, commitment, and
cooperative team effort of one unified department; and

WHEREAS, Upon its founding, the North Tonawanda Columbia Hook &
Ladder Company No. 1 became the first fire company to operate north of
the Erie Canal, and it is currently the oldest fire company and only
dedicated ladder in the North Tonawanda Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, The North Tonawanda Columbia Hook & Ladder Company No. 1
was founded during our Nation's centennial year, hence the founders
decided "Columbia" would be a fitting patriotic name for the company;
and

WHEREAS, Today, the North Tonawanda Columbia Hook & Ladder Company
No. 1 remains feet away from its original founding location on the brick
road between Tremont and Goundry streets in North Tonawanda, New York;
and

WHEREAS, With its impressive force of caring firefighters, the
record of the North Tonawanda Columbia Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 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 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 their auxiliaries; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
proudly commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the North Tonawanda
Columbia Hook & Ladder Company No. 1; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the North Tonawanda Columbia Hook & Ladder Company No. 1.