Assembly Resolution No. 653

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the
Stittville Volunteer Fire Department

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those outstanding volunteer fire departments within the
State of New York whose members have exhibited great dedication,
courage, and commitment in providing vital emergency services to their
communities; 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 Stittville Volunteer Fire
Department, to be observed with appropriate recognition and community
celebration; and

WHEREAS, The hamlet of Stittville, New York, faced a devastating
catastrophe when a fire destroyed Main Street and most of its business
district; in response, on September 22, 1925, a fire district was
formally established to provide reliable fire protection to the area;
and

WHEREAS, During this time, G. Ellis was appointed as the first
foreman (chief), and F.H. Rupert was named assistant foreman; the
department's initial apparatus included two 40-gallon Foamite engines
and 100 feet of hose-marking the humble beginnings of a now-century-old
tradition of service; and

WHEREAS, For 100 years, the courageous men and women of the
Stittville Volunteer Fire Department have served with honor, answering
calls for help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; their swift response and
skilled action during fires, medical emergencies, and countless other
crises have earned them the admiration and gratitude of the entire
community; and

WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Chief William Sutherland and
President Ray Sherman, the department continues to demonstrate an
unwavering commitment to excellence; their proactive approach to
integrating advanced equipment and ongoing training ensures the
department remains at the forefront of modern emergency response; and

WHEREAS, The Stittville Volunteer Fire Department has not only grown
in its operational capacity, but also stands as a living reflection of
the evolution of the fire and EMS services throughout New York State
over the last century; and

WHEREAS, The department's success is rooted in the selflessness of
its members-dedicated volunteers who leave the safety of their own homes
to aid their neighbors, often in moments of great peril; these brave
individuals exemplify the very best of public service and community
spirit; 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; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Stittville Volunteer Fire
Department, recognizing a century of extraordinary public service,
devotion, and heroism; and be it further

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