Senate Resolution No. 18

BY: Senator YOUNG

COMMENDING the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation
Volunteer Fire Department upon the occasion of
celebrating its 50th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor fire departments and their members who have exhibited great
dedication, courage and selflessness in protecting their neighbors from
fire and other disasters in this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State are renowned throughout
the Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the
arduous field of fire protection and prevention; and

WHEREAS, Since the early days of "teapot steamers," the volunteer
firefighter 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
commend the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation Volunteer Fire Department
upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel not
only provide the critical service of fire protection and medical care,
but also engage in other activities of great benefit and importance to
the communities they serve; and

WHEREAS, The Cattaraugus Indian Reservation Volunteer Fire
Department was established by a group of tribal members who were
concerned about being able to protect themselves against the ravages of
fire; with donated equipment from neighboring companies, they became a
chartered organization on February 15, 1967; and

WHEREAS, The firemen were able to buy a tanker, purchased entirely
with money through their fundraising effort, allowing them the ability
not to require any grants or take out any loans; and

WHEREAS, "The Little Red Fire Hall on Route 438" has grown from its
humble beginnings, located at one of the closed Thomas Indian School
buildings, to its present day state-of-the-art facility constructed in
2015; and

WHEREAS, The Cattaraugus Indian Reservation Volunteer Fire
Department and its firefighters have received high honors and praise for
performing heroic acts and have demonstrated a commitment to fire
protection; it has also been lauded as an exemplary fire
company/ambulance service, receiving the 2010 Agency of the Year Award;
and

WHEREAS, In addition to the company award, many individual members
were recipients of awards for their bravery and commendable performance
such as the Michael C. Redeye (Fire Chief of the Year) Award; and

WHEREAS, The Cattaraugus Indian Reservation Volunteer Fire
Department also recognizes important contributions made by community
members by offering an annual Citizen of the Year Award to individuals
who merit special recognition; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of President Dexter Jimerson, the
Cattaraugus Indian Reservation Volunteer Fire Department has provided
outstanding service to members of the Seneca Nation and surrounding
communities; and

WHEREAS, It takes a special dedication, a strong desire to help
others, and a tireless sense of community to forsake precious time with
family and friends to carry out the vital mission of volunteer fire
departments; and

WHEREAS, Special recognition should be given to those who work so
assiduously for the betterment of their communities, and they should be
acknowledged publicly for their heroic good works as volunteer
firefighters of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation Volunteer Fire Department upon
the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dexter Jimerson, President of the Cattaraugus Indian
Reservation Volunteer Fire Department.