LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the
Hammondsport Fire Department, to be celebrated on Tuesday, May 24, 2011

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 125th Anni-
versary of the Hammondsport Fire Department and to honor its past and
present firefighting members for 125 years of fire protection to the
citizens of Hammondsport 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 125 years, the
courageous and devoted firefighters of the Hammondsport Fire Department
have valiantly responded to all types of fire emergencies and have won
the praise and respect of the community which they serve; and
WHEREAS, The Hammondsport Fire Department is a small department
located at the southern tip of Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes region of
western New York; the Village of Hammondsport was first organized on
November 22, 1856, but on August 30, 1839, 20 interested men from the
community were granted a Hook and Ladder Company with one engine; and
WHEREAS, In 1871, a village charter was granted, and the Hook and
Ladder had its first meeting of election of officers with 25 new members
added; in 1885, the Citizen's Hose Company was organized with 40
members; and
WHEREAS, In 1947, the old village jail was next door to the Scout
House and was renovated for the Firehouse, holding one fire truck and
upper level meeting rooms; in 1954, a Hammondsport bay addition was
built; and
WHEREAS, In 1950, Hammondsport became part of the Country Mutual Aid
System and the Hook and Ladder disbanded to leave all members a part of
the Citizen's Hose; in 1981, a new fire station was built on Route 54
with the Citizen's Hose donating a significant amount toward the
purchase of the land; and
WHEREAS, This special purchase consisted of 86 acres of land and the
new fire station includes five front bays, three back bays, a reception
room with kitchen, social room, television room, commissioners room,
chiefs office, secretary/treasurer's office, control room and mainte-
nance room; and
WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Hammondsport Fire Department in public service and fire protection
is one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year, for 125
years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble volunteers left their
homes and went to the aid of their neighbors; and
WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of the Hammondsport Fire Department
are prepared to risk their lives every day to help 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 Hammondsport Fire Department reflects the
history and development of firefighting over the past 125 years; 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 125th Anniversary of the Hammondsport Fire
Department, to be celebrated on Tuesday, May 24, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Hammondsport Fire Department.