LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Walker
Valley Chemical Engine Company No. 1

WHEREAS, Fire departments are an integral part of community protection
services in every locality of our State; during the past 100 years, the
courageous and devoted firefighters of the Walker Valley Chemical Engine
Company No. 1 have valiantly responded to all types of fire emergencies
and have won the praise and respect of the community they so proudly
serve; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 100th Anni-
versary of the Walker Valley Chemical Engine Company No. 1, and to honor
its past and present firefighting members, for 100 years of fire
protection to the citizens of Walker Valley, New York, and its surround-
ing communities; and
WHEREAS, The Walker Valley Chemical Engine Company No. 1 was first
organized on August 11, 1915; its centennial will be celebrated on July
18, 2015, with a parade celebration and presentation of trophies at the
Walker Valley firehouse; and
WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of the Walker Valley Chemical Engine
Company No. 1 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, Incorporated in 1919 as a membership corporation, this vener-
able institution began its service fighting fires with bucket brigades
and a hand pulled chemical engine; and
WHEREAS, In 1924, the Walker Valley Chemical Engine Company No. 1
purchased its first motorized apparatus, a new Model T Ford with an Ajax
body; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Walker Valley Chemical Engine Company No. 1
possesses the latest in state of the art technology and sophisticated
expertise; its training facilities offering live burn capabilities are
used by fire companies and police agencies from across the region; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the skill and devoted service demonstrated by
individual firefighters, the Walker Valley Chemical Engine Company No. 1
reflects the history and development of firefighting over the past
century; and
WHEREAS, With a membership of more than 50 dedicated firefighters, the
record of the Walker Valley Chemical Engine Company No. 1 public service
and fire protection is one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365
days a year, for 100 years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble
volunteers left their homes and went to the aid of their neighbors; 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,
as well as their officers and auxiliaries; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
proudly commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Walker Valley Chemical
Engine Company No. 1; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Walker Valley Chemical Engine Company No. 1.