Senate Resolution No. 2873

BY: Senator RITCHIE

COMMEMORATING the 125th Anniversary of the Antwerp
Volunteer Fire Department

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 125th
Anniversary of the Antwerp Volunteer Fire Department, and to honor its
past and present firefighting members for 125 years of fire protection
to the citizens of Northern Jefferson and Southern St. Lawrence
Counties, 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 125
years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of the Antwerp Volunteer
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 45 member fire department is a community-based
volunteer organization which provides fast and professional fire and EMS
service to its neighborhoods and nearby communities; and

WHEREAS, In addition to providing protective services, the Antwerp
Volunteer Fire Department hosts community events, including dances where
there would be performances by the firemen's band that also plays music
in parades and at various other village gatherings; and

WHEREAS, In 1924, the Antwerp Volunteer Fire Department purchased a
motorized fire truck, which it still has and runs to this day; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the years, the Antwerp Volunteer Fire Department
has had several different fire stations, including its current station
on Main Street, which was upgraded in the late 1970s with a two-stall
addition and more recently, underwent renovations to its kitchen and
main hall; and

WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Antwerp Volunteer Fire Department in public service and fire
protection is one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year,
for 125 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 Antwerp Volunteer 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 Antwerp Volunteer Fire Department
reflects the history and development of firefighting over the past 125
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 125th Anniversary of the Antwerp Volunteer Fire
Department; and be it further

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