LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Dunkirk
Professional Firefighters Association Local 616

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor fire departments and their members who have exhibited great dedi-
cation, courage and selflessness in protecting their neighbors from fire
and other disasters in this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Since the early days of the "teapot steamers," the firefight-
er has been the cornerstone of our great State's efforts to spare us
from the ravages of fire; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 75th Anniversary of the Dunkirk Professional Firefighters
Association Local 616; and
WHEREAS, The Dunkirk Professional Firefighters Association Local 616
hired its first paid members in 1899, after the City of Dunkirk, New
York, bought horse-drawn fire wagons; and
WHEREAS, In February of 1939, the members who were already organized
as the Dunkirk permanent firemen became affiliated with the Interna-
tional Association of Firefighters (IAFF) as Local 616; their first
President was Thomas Moody; and
WHEREAS, The IAFF represents over 300,000 professional firefighters
and paramedics who protect 85 percent of the nation's population; more
than 3,200 affiliates protect communities in every state and Canada; and
WHEREAS, In 1948, Local 616 began affiliation with the New York State
Professional Fire Fighters Association, the AFL-CIO, Western New York
Labor Federation, and the Dunkirk Area Labor Council; and
WHEREAS, Currently, the Dunkirk Fire Department has 24 professional
firefighters who staff three stations and provide fire protection, emer-
gency medical services, and specialized rescue and response to the City
of Dunkirk; and
WHEREAS, In addition to saving lives, the Dunkirk Professional Fire-
fighters Association Local 616 has a proud tradition of being active in
fundraising and contributing to the community through the Muscular
Dystrophy Association, Dunkirk Little League, Northern Chautauqua Soccer
Association, Youth Hockey, Dunkirk Midget League Football, the Salvation
Army, and the retired firefighters cancer fund; and
WHEREAS, The Association's active members, with a focus on community
service, provide vital services to their beloved community; these first
responders are devoted to helping their neighbors in times of extreme
need; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize distinguished fire organizations which have achieved notable
success in protecting lives and property over the course of their long
histories in this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Dunkirk Professional Firefight-
ers Association Local 616; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dunkirk Professional Firefighters Association Local 616.