Assembly Resolution No. 73

BY: M. of A. Conrad

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Town of
Tonawanda Police Paramedics Unit in 2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
give outstanding service to the people of the Empire State and whose
extraordinary achievements save the lives of their fellow citizens
should be recognized because their efforts so profoundly strengthen our
shared commitment to family and community life; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Town of Tonawanda Police
Paramedics Unit; and

WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of those members of organizations within the State of New
York who, in the course of their responsibilities, perform acts of
heroic dimension and epitomize the best of humanity; and

WHEREAS, Paramedics are an important part of the safety net of
America's healthcare system; they provide lifesaving care to those in
need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week; access to quality emergency
care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who
experience sudden illness or injury; and

WHEREAS, In 1974, Tonawanda's Town Board approved the formation of a
paramedics unit; although the anticipated start date was April 1, 1975,
due to delays, the first official paramedic call did not occur until
August 11, 1975; the unit provided basic and advanced first aid to the
citizens of the Town of Tonawanda and the Village of Kenmore; and

WHEREAS, During the first year of existence, the nine full-time and
three alternate paramedic trainees of the unit responded to 1,752 calls;
after much growth of the population of the Town, the paramedics
responded to 8,256 calls in 2023; and

WHEREAS, Although there are several paramedics services in Western
New York State, the Town of Tonawanda features the only municipal
paramedics unit with 24/7 local municipal coverage; other municipalities
have firefighter or ambulance paramedics units or utilize county
paramedics; and

WHEREAS, The Town of Tonawanda Police Paramedics Unit, the first one
of its type within New York State, has implemented 675 hours of
training, which is more than eight times the requirement for
state-certified emergency medical technicians; the unit has been serving
the greater Tonawanda community 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and
365 days a year, for five decades; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the five decades since its first emergency call,
the Town of Tonawanda Police Paramedics Unit has drastically changed;
with substantially more calls per year, more paramedics on staff were
necessary; currently, 16 full-time and seven part-time paramedics

respond to the needs of their fellow citizens; their credentials require
1,400 hours of training over the course of one year; and

WHEREAS, This vital paramedics organization would not exist without
individuals who sacrifice time spent with family and friends to put in
countless hours to help a neighbor in need as well as those passing
through; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which the Town of Tonawanda Police
Paramedics Unit has displayed throughout its existence; and

WHEREAS, In the performance of their duties, the members of the Town
of Tonawanda Police Paramedics Unit have demonstrated their character
and compassion for the welfare of others; they are a tremendous asset to
the Town and the citizens of the State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our unending gratitude and respect are owed to these
devoted individuals whose responsibility is the preservation of life and
who make that responsibility their own by serving in paramedics
organizations; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Town of Tonawanda Police
Paramedics Unit; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Town of Tonawanda Police Paramedics Unit.