LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 185th Anniversary of the Fish-
kill Fire Department on April 22, 2014

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 185th Anni-
versary of the Fishkill Fire Department and to honor its past and pres-
ent firefighting members for 185 years of fire protection to the citi-
zens of Fishkill, New York 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 185 years, the
courageous and devoted firefighters of the Fishkill 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 Fishkill Fire Department in public service and fire protection is
one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year, for 185
years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble volunteers left their
homes and went to the aid of their neighbors; and
WHEREAS, The story of the Fishkill Fire Department officially began on
March 30, 1829 when the Assembly of the State of New York unanimously
passed legislation authorizing the incorporation of a fire company in
Fishkill; the legislation went on to unanimously pass the New York State
Senate and on April 22, 1829, Governor E. T. Throop signed the legis-
lation into law and made this date the Department's official birthday;
and
WHEREAS, Today, fire and rescue service to the Village of Fishkill is
provided by a staff of roughly 40 volunteer firefighters, operating out
of one Central Station with four pieces of fire apparatus and two
Command Vehicles; and
WHEREAS, In addition to traditional firefighting activities, the
department has Emergency Medical Technicians, Certified First Responders
and personnel trained and proficient in other specialized tasks includ-
ing rescue, rapid intervention, hazardous material mitigation, collapse
rescue, disaster management, and incident command; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Fire Department F.A.S.T. team is often
called in by neighboring Fire Departments for coverage during working
structure fires and other major incidents; and
WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of the Fishkill 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 Fishkill Fire Department reflects the
history and development of firefighting over the past 185 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 185th Anniversary of the Fishkill Fire Depart-
ment on April 22, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Fishkill Fire Department, Fishkill, New York.