Senate Resolution No. 2360

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMEMORATING the 90th Anniversary of the White
Lake Fire Department

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 90th
Anniversary of White Lake Fire Department and to honor its past and
present firefighting members for 90 years of fire protection to the
citizens of White Lake 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 90
years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of White Lake 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 by the Board of Supervisors on August 13, 1928,
the White Lake Fire Company was officially incorporated in February of
1933; the original fire house was created from an old chapel, which was
then lifted in 1962, in order to put a two-bay garage under the building
to house the three fire trucks the department had at the time; and

WHEREAS, In 1992, the White Lake Fire Department sold the beach
property around their current firehouse to start building their new
site; and

WHEREAS, Today, the White Lake Fire Department is part of the Town
of Bethel Firefighter Assist and Search Team with a focus on specialized
training in vehicle extrication; in addition, seven of its divers are
members of the Sullivan County Dive Task Force Team and 15 firefighters
are surface ice rescue technicians; and

WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, White Lake
Fire Department's record of 90 years in public service and fire
protection is one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year,
for 90 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 White Lake Fire Department 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, White Lake Fire Department reflects the
history and development of firefighting over the past 90 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 90th Anniversary of White Lake Fire Department;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to White Lake Fire Department.