LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the
Clarence Fire Company

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 100th Anni-
versary of the Clarence Fire Company and to honor its past and present
firefighting members for a century of fire protection to the citizens of
Clarence, 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 100 years, the
courageous and devoted firefighters of the Clarence 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, Established in March of 1916, the first Clarence Fire Company
was comprised of 25 area men who volunteered their services to protect
the property of their fellow citizens against fire; by means of
subscription, they were able to purchase the fire hall at the top of
Academy Hill as well as a hand-drawn chemical firefighting wagon; and
WHEREAS, On March 27, 1920, a petition was presented to the Clarence
Town Board proposing formation of a fire corporation to be known as the
Clarence Fire Company; two years later, a fire district supported by
taxes was formed; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the Clarence Fire Company has grown and
expanded to meet the changing needs of its community while its coura-
geous volunteers maintained their passionate commitment to public
service; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the able leadership of Chief Jeffrey Schlabach,
the Clarence Fire Company continues to provide vital services in the
areas of firefighting, emergency medical services, search and rescue,
and hazardous materials; and
WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Clarence Fire Department in 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, The brave firefighters of the Clarence Fire Company 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, 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 100th Anniversary of the Clarence Fire Company;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Fire Chief, Jeffrey Schlabach, Clarence Fire Company.