Senate Resolution No. 2950

BY: Senator SEWARD

COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of the New
Berlin Fire Department to be celebrated on July 28,
2017

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 150th
Anniversary of the New Berlin Fire Department and to honor its past and
present firefighting members for 150 years of fire protection to the
citizens of New Berlin, 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 150
years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of the New Berlin 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, The mission of the New Berlin Fire Department is the
preservation of life and protection of property from and during such
emergencies that may occur in the New Berlin Fire Department Protection
District and to promote safety within the district; and

WHEREAS, The New Berlin Fire Department has a rich history that
began with its formation in July of 1867; during this time, there were
three separate fire companies operating: the Richer Hose Company No. 2,
the Hook and Ladder Company, and the Crystal Hose Company No. 1;
together these made up the New Berlin Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Ed Fuller was the first chief of the New Berlin Fire
Department, serving from 1867 until 1880; fire line officers included
the fire chief, foreman and chief engineers, and each had a specific
task on the fire scene; and

WHEREAS, The village purchased the first fire bell with a
contribution from department members in October of 1923, which allowed
the bell to blow automatically; that same year, they purchased their
first motorized pumper; and

WHEREAS, On May 9, 1930, the village board officially recognized the
New Berlin Fire Department as one body; department officers were elected
to include the chief, first assistant chief, second assistant chief,
secretary, treasurer, three trustees, lieutenant and captain; and

WHEREAS, In an effort to improve training participation, an award
was created to recognize members obtaining over 100 hours of training;
since its inception this program has led to more than 2,500 man hours in
training each and every year; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to its
community, the New Berlin Fire Department hosts such fundraising events
as bingo, boot drives, harvest dinners, Unadilla MX concessions, bowling
tournaments and raffles; and

WHEREAS, Today, the New Berlin Fire Department is under the able
leadership of its chief, Barry Jacobs, and president, Larissa
Hanslmaier; and

WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the New Berlin Fire Department in public service and fire protection is
one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year, for 150
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 New Berlin 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, the New Berlin Fire Department reflects the
history and development of firefighting over the past 150 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 150th Anniversary of the New Berlin Fire
Department to be celebrated on July 28, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the New Berlin Fire Department.