Senate Resolution No. 772

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMEMORATING the 150th Anniversary of the
Schaghticoke Fire Department

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 150th
Anniversary of the Schaghticoke Fire Department and to honor its past
and present firefighting members for 150 years of fire protection to the
citizens of Schaghticoke, 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 Schaghticoke 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 Schaghticoke Fire Department was organized in a
building on the corner of Main and School Street in December of 1867; it
was written by Articles 13, 14, 15 that Village Law states Trustees will
maintain equipment and provide housing for the same; the Articles also
required the Village to sustain Fire Engines, Hook and Ladder, Hose Cart
and Hose, and to preserve sufficient numbers of reservoirs or cisterns
for adequate supply of water; and

WHEREAS, In 1895, the Village of Schaghticoke granted permission to
the Woolen Mills and the Cable Flax Mills to put in a water line for
fire protection; and

WHEREAS, In that same year, the Fire Department was reorganized and
a hook and ladder company, known as the Washington Engine & Hose Company
was formed; a new hand pumper was also purchased and it was used by the
firefighters in many competitions; and

WHEREAS, In 1936, the Department was once again reorganized and the
name was changed to The Schaghticoke Fire Department; throughout the
next 55 years, the Department purchased several other vehicles including
a 1936 Chevy 350 gallon front mount pumper, a 1955 Seagrave 750 gallon
pump, a Bordman 1000 gallon top mounted pumper, and a 1977 Dodge Pierce
300 gallon Mini Rescue Truck; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its history, several people have held the
esteemed rank of Chief; In 1913, George "Skeet" Viall held the position
from 1913-1947; William Moon then took over, and held the title until
1985; today, Mike Jackson serves in this leadership role; and

WHEREAS, The Schaghticoke Fire Department successfully contained
many disastrous fires at various locations throughout the Village
including the American House, the Golden Pheasant, Cohen Apartments, the
American Legion, the Post Office, Harold Hilton, the Schaghticoke Sun,
the Bonfare Market and most recently, the Wilson Apartments; and

WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Schaghticoke 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 Schaghticoke 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, of the Schaghticoke 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 Schaghticoke Fire
Department; and be it further

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