Senate Resolution No. 5797

BY: Senator YOUNG

HONORING the Lakewood Fire Department upon the
occasion of celebrating its 125th 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 honor
the Lakewood Fire Department upon the occasion of celebrating its 125th
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, On October 13, 2018, the Lakewood Fire Department will be
holding its Lakewood Firefighter Memorial dedication during their open
house; this memorial, which sits on Chautauqua Avenue, is a memorial and
tribute to their past, present and future members; it was built with
financial resources through public donations along with membership and
local manpower; and

WHEREAS, The Lakewood Fire Department dates back to 1893 with the
Lakewood Bucket Brigade, and then the establishment of the Lakewood Hook
and Ladder Company No. 1; in 1906, a high wheeled horse cart was donated
to the fire department by J.W. Packard, who donated land for a new fire
hall, and the department was presented with a 1915 Model T Ford Chemical
Fire Engine; Lakewood's second fire company was formed and known as the
Lakewood Chemical Company, Inc.; in the early 1950s, this was the first
department in Chautauqua County to use mobile radio equipment; and

WHEREAS, By 1964, Lakewood Hose Company No. 1 and Lakewood Chemical
Company, Inc. merged to become the present day Lakewood Fire Company,
Inc.; over the years, the department has expanded with a training
center, new fire station and museum, a state-of-the-art burn building,
as well as establishing numerous other structures and upgrades; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, equipment has included: 13 engines, 4
heavy rescues, 2 ladder trucks, 6 ambulances, 2 station trucks, 1 medic
unit, 12 chief cars and 5 boats; and

WHEREAS, The Lakewood Fire Department's district covers residential,
commercial, agricultural and industrial areas; and

WHEREAS, The Lakewood Fire Department has provided an outstanding
service to families of the community over the last 125 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; and

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Lakewood Fire Department upon the occasion of celebrating its
125th Anniversary; and be it further

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