LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the
Middleburgh Fire Department

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 125th Anni-
versary of the Middleburgh Fire Department and to honor its past and
present firefighting members for 125 years of fire protection to the
citizens of Middleburgh 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 Middleburgh 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, Firefighting in Middleburgh, New York, has a long and rich
history dating back to October of 1780 when the first fire was recorded;
however, history of the current department only dates back to January
1888 as the current Middleburgh Fire Department was formed; and
WHEREAS, The rich history of firefighting was done by using the bucket
brigade, hand pumpers, hose carts, a steamer engine, and a hook and
ladder until motorized fire apparatus came to be; and
WHEREAS, The Middleburgh Fire Department has an active membership roll
of 20 members and total membership of 30 individuals; its members are
trained in all different types of firefighting skills, as they now
answer 150-200 calls a year; and
WHEREAS, Today the Middleburgh Fire Department is only one of two
ladders within Schoharie County, and knowing the training that comes
with a ladder company is something it is proud of; and
WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Middleburgh 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 Middleburgh 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 Middleburgh 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 Middleburgh Fire
Department; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Middleburgh Fire Department.