Senate Resolution No. 3346

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMEMORATING the 70th Anniversary of the
Westbrookville Volunteer Fire Company celebrated on
September 24, 2017

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 70th
Anniversary of the Westbrookville Volunteer Fire Company and to honor
its past and present firefighting members for 70 years of fire
protection to the citizens of Westbrookville, New York, and its
surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, This momentous milestone was celebrated at an Open House at
the firehouse on Sunday, September 24, 2017; during the festivities,
eight active firefighters were honored for their many years of dedicated
service to the Westbrookville Volunteer Fire Company; and

WHEREAS, Fire departments are an integral part of community
protection services in every locality of our State; during the past 70
years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of the Westbrookville
Volunteer Fire Company have valiantly responded to all types of fire
emergencies and have won the praise and respect of the community which
they serve; and

WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Westbrookville Volunteer Fire Company in public service and fire
protection is one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year,
for 70 years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble volunteers left
their homes and went to the aid of their neighbors; and

WHEREAS, Formed in 1947, and later incorporated in 1949, the
Westbrookville Volunteer Fire Company is part of Sullivan County's
Battalion 5; the Company provides fire protection, rescue and BLS First
Response to the Westbrookville Fire Protection District in the Town of
Mamakating; and

WHEREAS, Within the rural residential area, 20 firefighters, and one
junior firefighter protect many large undeveloped areas, US Route 209
and New York State Public Recreational Land; in addition, an active
Ladies Auxiliary of 22 members provides an invaluable service to the
fire department and community; and

WHEREAS, Each year, the Westbrookville Volunteer Fire Company
responds to approximately 70-80 emergency calls; due to a significant
rise in motor vehicle accidents, the Company purchased its first set of
hydraulic rescue tools in 2006; and

WHEREAS, The skilled firefighters of the Westbrookville Volunteer
Fire Company are well trained in Wildland Search and Rescue, and
subsequently, have made several successful wildland rescues over the
last few years; and

WHEREAS, The Westbrookville Volunteer Fire Company houses five
pieces of apparatus including an engine/rescue, tanker/engine, light
rescue, mini-pumper, brush rig and a SUV; and


WHEREAS, The Company, along with the Ladies Auxiliary, holds two
major annual fund raising events; every Christmas and Easter the
Auxiliary hosts fun holiday parties for the local children; and

WHEREAS, Firefighters of the Westbrookville Volunteer Fire Company
attend monthly meetings and actively participate in drills on various
Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings; in 2007, the steadfast members of
the Company attended more than 300 hours of training; and

WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of the Westbrookville Volunteer Fire
Company 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 Westbrookville Volunteer Fire Company
reflects the history and development of firefighting over the past 70
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 70th Anniversary of the Westbrookville Volunteer
Fire Company celebrated on September 24, 2017; and be it further

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