Assembly Resolution No. 1208

BY: M. of A. Barclay

COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of the Oswego
Fire Department

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished public institutions which have faithfully
served their communities and have contributed significantly to the
safety, welfare, and heritage 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 150th Anniversary of the Oswego Fire Department, to be
celebrated in 2026; and

WHEREAS, The origins of organized fire protection in the City of
Oswego date back nearly two centuries to May 13, 1828, when the newly
elected Board of the Village of Oswego appointed its first four Fire
Wardens, who served as the community's earliest firemen; and

WHEREAS, On April 18, 1829, the Board appointed 25 men as the first
official volunteer firemen of the Village, establishing a tradition of
courage and civic duty which would define the department for
generations; and

WHEREAS, With the delivery of its first hand-operated fire engine on
February 1, 1830, and the construction of its first fire station in
1834, the Oswego Fire Department began to formalize and strengthen its
firefighting capabilities; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the early 19th century, additional fire
companies were formed, including hook and ladder companies and
leadership positions such as Chief Engineer, reflecting the Department's
rapid growth and increasing organization; and

WHEREAS, On April 12, 1842, the New York State Legislature formally
incorporated the entity as the "Fire Department of the Village of
Oswego," and later, in 1852, redesignated it as the "Fire Department of
the City of Oswego" following the City's incorporation; and

WHEREAS, The department continued to evolve with advancements in
firefighting technology, including the introduction of steam-powered
engines in 1865 and the installation of fire hydrants in 1867; and

WHEREAS, By 1875, the Oswego Volunteer Fire Department had reached
its peak strength, consisting of 10 companies and more than 600 members;
and

WHEREAS, A significant milestone occurred on May 19, 1876, when
legislation was enacted to establish the Oswego Fire Department as a
paid professional department, followed by the formation of the Board of
Fire Commissioners and the appointment of its first paid officers and
firemen; and

WHEREAS, Over the decades, the Department has demonstrated
resilience and dedication in responding to major incidents, including
the devastating fire of May 20-21, 1892, the most destructive in the
City's history; and

WHEREAS, The Oswego Fire Department has continually embraced
innovation, transitioning from horse-drawn apparatus to motorized
engines in the early 20th century, incorporating emergency medical
services in 1972, and expanding into specialized rescue operations
including marine and scuba rescue; and

WHEREAS, The department has also honored the ultimate sacrifice of
its members, including Fireman John W. Dougherty, who died in the line
of duty on February 10, 1904, exemplifying the bravery and commitment of
all who have served; and

WHEREAS, Through the leadership of numerous Fire Chiefs and the
dedication of countless firefighters, the department has maintained its
mission to protect life and property while adapting to the evolving
needs of the community; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Oswego Fire Department stands as a modern,
highly trained, and well-equipped professional organization, continuing
its proud tradition of service with the recent addition of new apparatus
in 2026; and

WHEREAS, The 150th Anniversary of the Oswego Fire Department
provides a fitting opportunity to reflect upon its rich history, honor
its members past and present, and recognize its enduring contributions
to the City of Oswego and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Oswego Fire Department, and to
extend its deepest appreciation to all those who have served and
continue to serve with courage, professionalism, and unwavering
dedication; and be it further

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