Senate Resolution No. 385

BY: Senator YOUNG

COMMENDING the Allentown Volunteer Fire Company
upon the occasion of celebrating its 75th
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 Allentown Volunteer Fire Company upon the occasion of
celebrating its 75th 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, In March of 1941, a public hearing was held to explore the
idea of forming a fire district in the Town of Alma; the idea received a
great deal of positive feedback and on July 21, 1942, the Alma Volunteer
Fire Company No. 1, and the Allentown Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 were
officially established; and

WHEREAS, During the early days of the Allentown Volunteer Fire
Company, there were 77 charter members and a two-story fire hall was
purchased in 1945; and

WHEREAS, In 1950, the ranks decreased to 122 members and a Ladies
Auxiliary was formed to supplement the Fire Company; in 1954, in
cooperation with Civil Defense, radios were purchased and the Allentown
Volunteer Fire Company was able to participate in the County's mutual
aid plan; and

WHEREAS, During the 1960s, the Allentown Volunteer Fire Company had
an addition built on the back of the fire hall to provide ample space
for a kitchen and parking for a tanker; they would also build a three
bay addition and upgrade equipment whenever possible; and

WHEREAS, In July of 2016, the Allentown Volunteer Fire Company had
the honor of hosting the 101st Convention of the Allegany County
Fireman's Association; and

WHEREAS, The Allentown Volunteer Fire Company has provided an
outstanding service to families of the community over the last 75 years;
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, Observing that special recognition should be given to those
who work so assiduously for the betterment of their communities, and
that they should be acknowledged publicly for their heroic good works as
volunteer firefighters in this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Allentown Volunteer Fire Company upon the occasion of
celebrating its 75th Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Paul Edwards, Chief, Allentown Volunteer Fire Company.