Senate Resolution No. 4451

BY: Senator PHILLIPS

COMMEMORATING the 125th Anniversary of the
Hicksville Fire Department to be celebrated on July
14, 2018

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 125th
Anniversary of the Hicksville Fire Department to be celebrated at its
Nassau County Fireman's Parade on Saturday, July 14, 2018, and to honor
its past and present firefighting members for 125 years of fire
protection to the citizens of Hicksville 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 Hicksville 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, On February 15, 1893, a meeting was held at the Grand
Central Hotel to organize a volunteer fire department incorporating the
three existing fire companies, Protection Hook and Ladder 1, Independent
Engine & Hose 2, and Citizens Engine 3; and

WHEREAS, The Hicksville Fire District was organized on August 22,
1902, and the present fire headquarters on East Marie Street was
dedicated on January 2, 1932; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Arnold G. Heitz was elected as the first
Hicksville Fire Department Chief; and

WHEREAS, As the community of Hicksville expanded, the fire
department began to grow as well; Volunteer Hose Company 4 was organized
on January 8, 1904, followed by Emergency Company 5 on September 14,
1928; and

WHEREAS, In October of 1955, a Rescue Squad was organized to perform
the duties associated with an ambulance; and

WHEREAS, Hook and Ladder Company 6 was organized on February 6,
1956, followed by Engine Company 7 on April 25, 1957, and Flood Light
Company 8 on September 29, 1966; in 1981, a Hazardous Material Response
Team was formed before the establishment of a Fire Police Squad and a
Technical Rescue Team; and

WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of
the Hicksville 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 Hicksville 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 Hicksville 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 Hicksville Fire
Department to be celebrated on July 14, 2018; and be it further

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