Senate Resolution No. 1660

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of the
Westmoreland Fire Department celebrated on May 3,
2019

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 75th
Anniversary of the Westmoreland Fire Department on Friday, May 3, 2019,
and to honor its past and present firefighting members for 75 years of
fire protection to the citizens of Westmoreland, 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 75
years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of Westmoreland 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, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
Westmoreland Fire Department in public service and fire protection is
one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year, for 75 years,
whenever the alarm sounded, these noble volunteers left their homes and
went to the aid of their neighbors; and

WHEREAS, The Westmoreland Fire Department, located in Oneida County,
have a response coverage area of 55 square miles, with a population in
excess of 6,000 people; and

WHEREAS, Westmoreland's Fire Department was housed in the Village on
Main Street; a new station was then constructed on Station Road; and

WHEREAS, On May 2, 1944, 18 men from the community met and formed
the Westmoreland Fire Department; in July of 1944, 37 men attended a
meeting and were later named the charter members of the department; in
October of that year, the Town Board appointed the first five
Commissioners and necessary equipment was acquired, including: a 500
gallon Pump and a 1939 Brockway truck to carry the equipment; and

WHEREAS, Westmoreland Fire Department received its first call on
March 6, 1947; in September 1947, the Fire Department was incorporated,
the fire protection contract with Clinton was cancelled, and in 1948,
the department held its first annual banquet at Gavin's Restaurant; and

WHEREAS, In 1950, the Westmoreland Fire Department held its first
annual Field Days and the Commissioners purchased the first new fire
truck; in January of 1961, the Westmoreland Fire Department held its
first meeting in the new Main Street fire house, and by 1962, the Home
alert radio system was put into service; and

WHEREAS, From May 1944, to January 1, 1975, the Westmoreland Fire
Company responded to 742 fire and emergency calls; and

WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of Westmoreland 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, Westmoreland Fire Department reflects the
history and development of firefighting over the past 75 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; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
proudly commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Westmoreland Fire
Department; and be it further

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