Senate Resolution No. 2004

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMEMORATING the 55th Anniversary of the
Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company on May 13,
2017

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 55th
Anniversary of the Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company and to
honor its past and present firefighting members for 55 years of fire
protection to the citizens of Middletown, New York, and its surrounding
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 55th Anniversary of the Washington Heights Volunteer
Fire Company to be celebrated at its Annual Installation Dinner on
Saturday, May 13, 2017, at the Fountains Catering in Middletown, New
York; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious event will also recognize several members
for their steadfast and unremitting commitment to their Department and
community; the honorees include Drew Andryshak, Honorary Member; Vincent
Laughman, New Member of the Year Award; Daniel Blake, Presidents Award;
and John Blake, Firefighter of the Year Award; and

WHEREAS, Fire departments are an integral part of community
protection services in every locality of our State; during the past 55
years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of the Washington Heights
Volunteer Fire Company have valiantly responded to all types of fire
emergencies and have won the praise and respect of the community which
they serve; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception on May 2, 1962, the highly skilled and
dedicated firefighters of the Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company
have stayed true to their mission "The Desire to Serve, the Ability to
Perform"; and

WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Washington Heights Volunteer Fire Company in public service and fire
protection is one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year,
for 55 years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble volunteers left
their homes and went to the aid of their neighbors; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Chief Charles Healy, the
brave firefighters of the Washington Heights Volunteer 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, In addition to the skill and devoted service demonstrated
by individual firefighters, the Washington Heights Volunteer Fire
Company reflects the history and development of firefighting over the
past 55 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 55th Anniversary of the Washington Heights
Volunteer Fire Company; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Charles Healy, Chief, Washington Heights Volunteer Fire
Company.