LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Potsdam
Volunteer Rescue Squad

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to organizations within the State of New York which provide
vital emergency medical rescue services; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 60th Anniversary of the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad to be
celebrated on Saturday, September 26, 2015, at Barben Rooms at the Cheel
Arena, Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York; and
WHEREAS, One of the first organizations of its kind in New York State,
the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad was founded in the summer of 1955
when a small group of concerned area residents came together to serve
the emergency needs of their growing community; and
WHEREAS, On October 1, 1955, the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad was
officially organized, and began offering its services to area residents;
the charter members trained hard to provide standby coverage at Postwood
Park in Hannawa Falls; the unit also received its first ambulance, a
1936 Buick, which was donated by a local funeral home; and
WHEREAS, The Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad's initial roster consisted
of 23 members, including Sanford Dewey, who served as Chief; Andrew
Rodger, Director; Ralph Lawrence, Assistant Chief; and Everett (Bud)
Spotswood, Treasurer and Secretary; and
WHEREAS, In response to a rising volume of calls, the Potsdam Volun-
teer Rescue Squad purchased a second ambulance in 1956; two years later,
it also constructed a new headquarters on Cottage Street through gener-
ous donations by the community and the tireless efforts of its members;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout the past six decades, the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue
Squad has proudly provided outstanding emergency medical and rescue
services to both the village and the town of Potsdam, the village of
Norwood, and parts of the towns of Pierrepont and Stockholm; and
WHEREAS, Today, this courageous rescue company operates out of two
stations, and covers a service district of approximately 150 square
miles with a population of over 16,000 residents; it also provides vital
services to two major universities, Clarkson University and SUNY Pots-
dam; and
WHEREAS, Access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the
survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or
injury; during the 60-year history of the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue
Squad, its members have worked tirelessly to bring the best quality of
care to the residents of Potsdam, New York, and its surrounding communi-
ties; and
WHEREAS, All members of the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad, past and
present, merit the highest commendation for their contributions to the
noble missions of this life-saving organization; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those volunteer
organizations who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community
and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly
have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad.