Senate Resolution No. 2527

BY: Senator CANZONERI-FITZPATRICK

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the
Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the
Anniversary of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department and to honor
its past and present firefighting members for 100 years of fire
protection for the citizens of Franklin Square, New York, and its
surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery every
day in the course of their duties; firefighters exemplify the power of
human compassion and the strength of the American spirit through actions
of the most heroic magnitude; their sacrifices and selfless dedication
merit tribute and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and

WHEREAS, Fire companies are an integral part of community protection
services in every locality of our State; during the past 100 years, the
courageous and devoted firefighters of the Franklin Square & Munson 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, After several large fires devastated parts of the
community, the apparent necessity for fire protection was acknowledged,
and the first fire company, Franklin Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, of
Munson, was organized in 1907; and

WHEREAS, Housed in the town's first firehouse, which was built by
the company's members on farmland donated by one of those members, the
fire company was equipped with a horse-drawn cart, ladders, and buckets;
a large bell, donated by an old schoolhouse in the town, was mounted on
the roof; and

WHEREAS, When a fire was reported, the bell was rung, signaling all
of the volunteer firefighters who would respond as quickly as possible,
bringing their horses for the ladder cart; the first member to hitch his
horses to the cart would be given a reward; and

WHEREAS, As the town continued to grow, so did the need for a larger
firefighting force; in 1923, a group of men founded the Franklin Square
Hose and Chemical Company; a motorized engine was housed in a second
firehouse in downtown Franklin Square; and

WHEREAS, In 1924, the Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department was
established with the merging of the Franklin Hook and Ladder Company No.
1 and the Franklin Square Hose & Chemical Company to form the Franklin
Square & Munson Fire District, each having its own firehouse; although
both buildings are no longer affiliated with firefighting, they still
exist; and

WHEREAS, A new firehouse, which was designed to house the entire
department, was constructed in 1959; presently, the department consists

of three engine companies, a ladder company, a rescue company, and an
EMS company; and

WHEREAS, The Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department has provided
fire protection in the Franklin Square & Munson Fire District, covering
a three-square-mile area, serving Franklin Square, Garden City South,
and parts of West Hempstead; approximately 30,000 residents rely on the
dedicated and brave firefighters, who selflessly and tirelessly ensure
the safety and welfare of their neighbors, to respond to their fire and
medical emergencies which number more than 1,000 calls annually; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the decades since its inception, the Franklin
Square & Munson Fire Department has honored its vision to become the
finest fire and EMS service organization possible by utilizing and
developing its members to their fullest potential, maximizing their use
of the resources available to them, and being responsive to the growth
and changing needs of their community; and

WHEREAS, Important values of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire
Department have been upheld for 100 years; the firefighters of Franklin
Square give human life top priority and regard service to their fellow
citizens as their reason for existence; they believe that integrity,
accountability, cooperation, and education are their means to attaining
excellence, providing service, and reaching goals; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, the members of the Franklin Square & Munson
Fire Department are committed to utilizing innovation and creativity in
solving problems and recognize the contribution of all individuals
through mutual respect, diversity, trust, and support; and

WHEREAS, With its impressive force of caring firefighters, the
record of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department in public service
and fire protection is one to be applauded; for 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year, for 100 years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble men and
women provided aid to their neighbors; and

WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of the Franklin Square & Munson 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 hazards to life, health, and well-being; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the skill and devoted service demonstrated
by individual firefighters, the Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department
reflects the history and development of firefighting over the past 100
years; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude
to those 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 publicly acknowledge the heroic good
works performed by the 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 100th Anniversary of the Franklin Square &
Munson Fire Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire
Department.