LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Cale-
donia Fire Department

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 125th Anni-
versary of the Caledonia Fire Department and to honor its past and pres-
ent firefighting members for more than a century of fire protection to
the citizens of Caledonia, New York, and its surrounding communities;
and
WHEREAS, On May 2, 1887, a meeting was called to order by W.V. Hamil-
ton for the purpose of organizing a Fire Company; at this time the Big
Springs Hook & Ladder Company was formed and on May 16, 1887, a consti-
tution was ratified; and
WHEREAS, The following month, an annual meeting was held to elect
officers; W.V. Hamilton was elected foreman, and in August, a truck was
purchased from Rumsey Company; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 125 years, there have been many changes in the
Caledonia Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, In 1937, the Fire Department held its 1st annual carnival on
the old school grounds behind the present Fire Hall; this same year, a
Fire Council was formed by the Department and the custom of the 1st
Assistant Chief coming from the Company opposite the Department Chief
was also set during the year; and
WHEREAS, The Caledonia Fire Department organized a First Aid Squad in
1939; 15 years later, the Fire Police were organized; and
WHEREAS, The Ladies Auxiliary was formed for the Department in 1955;
and
WHEREAS, In 1978, the Hook & Ladder Ambulance and the Big Springs
Pumper Emergency Car were merged to form the Caledonia Fire Department
Emergency and Rescue Services; and
WHEREAS, The following year, the Caledonia Fire Department was able to
open J.W. Jones Hall which is a recreation hall and training center for
the department; this was made possible by a very generous donation from
J.W. Jones; and
WHEREAS, Today, the 116 members of the Caledonia Fire Department are
proudly celebrating 125 years of continuous service in one of the most
respected fire departments in New York State; 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 Caledonia 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, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Caledonia 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 Caledonia 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 Caledonia 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 Caledonia Fire Depart-
ment; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Caledonia Fire Department.