Senate Resolution No. 248

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 110th Anniversary of the Sylvan
Beach Fire Department

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
Anniversary of the Sylvan Beach Fire Department and to honor its past
and present firefighting members for 110 years of fire protection for
the citizens of Sylvan Beach, New York; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated at an
Installation Dinner at Vernon Downs Casino Hotel in Vernon, New York, on
Saturday, January 25, 2025; 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, Volunteer fire companies are an integral part of community
protection services in every locality of our State; during the past 110
years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of the Sylvan Beach 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, In 1880, Sylvan Beach Fire and Protective Association was
first formed with only two horse-drawn carts; two more carts and the
community's first fire hydrants were added a short time later; the carts
were stationed in four different locations throughout the Village; and

WHEREAS, Prior to the installation of the siren, the church bell at
the Catholic Church was used to sound the alert for service calls; the
addresses of the calls were written on a chalkboard outside the station
to inform the responders where to go; and

WHEREAS, In 1914, Sylvan Beach Fire and Protective Association
joined the Firemen's Association of the State of New York, becoming
certified as Sylvan Beach Fire Department in 1915; the first station was
located behind Head's Grocery Store; circa 1930, the present-day station
was constructed beside Ethel's Restaurant; later, the restaurant was
purchased to add to the station; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the decades since its inception, the Sylvan
Beach Fire Department has become one of New York State's finest fire
organizations through its responsiveness to the growth and changing
needs of its community; the Department reflects the history and
development of firefighting over the past 110 years; and

WHEREAS, With its impressive force of caring firefighters, the
record of the Sylvan Beach Fire Department in public service and fire
protection is one to be applauded; for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,
for 110 years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble men and women
selflessly and tirelessly risked their lives to 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, 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 110th Anniversary of the Sylvan Beach Fire
Department; and be it further

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