LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Hidi Hose
Company No. 4 of the Gowanda Fire Department

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 100th Anni-
versary of Hidi Hose Company No. 4 of the Gowanda Fire Department and to
honor its past and present firefighting members for a century of fire
protection to the citizens of Gowanda, New York, and surrounding commu-
nities; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of its Centennial, Hidi Hose Company No. 4
will erect an historical marker at its hall, located at 9 Beech Street
in Gowanda, painted in New York State's colors of blue and gold; the
marker reads, "In 1916 a group of men, in the true spirit of neighbors
helping neighbors, recognized that Hidi and the surrounding area was
lacking in protection from fires and other disasters. 100 years ago
because of their sense of pride and volunteerism Hidi Hose Co. No. 4 was
founded. Although their names have faded into the past, and they have
answered their final alarm, their deeds remain with us to this day"; 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 Hidi Hose Company No. 4 have
valiantly responded to all types of fire emergencies and have won the
praise and respect of the community which they serve; and
WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of Hidi Hose Company No. 4 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, Hidi Hose Company No. 4 holds a rich history of firefighting;
from 1916 through 1921, the company's equipment consisted of 1,000 feet
of hose on a cart with hand tools; when a fire call was received, the
members ran with the cart to the scene of the fire; in one instance they
ran so quickly across the railroad bridge crossing Cattaraugus Creek
that they arrived on scene before firefighters from downtown Gowanda
using motorized equipment; 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 departments of this great Empire State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
proudly commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Hidi Hose Company No. 4 of
the Gowanda Fire Department to be celebrated on July 16, 2016; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Hidi Hose Company No. 4 of the Gowanda Fire Department.