Assembly Resolution No. 706

BY: M. of A. Galef

COMMEMORATING the 125th Anniversary of the
Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 125th
Anniversary of the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department, celebrated with a
Parade on Saturday, June 10, 2017, and to honor its past and present
firefighting members for 125 years of fire protection to the citizens of
Croton-on-Hudson, New York, 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 Croton-on-Hudson
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 December of 1891, disaster in the form of fire struck
the small community of Croton Landing; its only defense against the fire
was the bucket brigade, which was overwhelmed and nine buildings were
destroyed; and

WHEREAS, On February 12, 1892, members of the community met and
formed the Washington Hand Engine Company; the organization was followed
later that year by the Independent Fire Company and Columbian Hook and
Ladder Company; these three organizations, independent of each other but
united in purpose, provided Croton with its first line of defense
against fire; and

WHEREAS, The community became incorporated as the Village of
Croton-on-Hudson in 1898, and the new village government began to draw
these companies together as a unit; and

WHEREAS, By the end of the 1920s, two more companies were formed and
joined the department: the Emergency Relief Squad, now known as Croton
Fire Patrol No. 1, and Harmon Engine Company No. 3; and

WHEREAS, Today, with a membership of dedicated firefighters, the
record of the Croton-on-Hudson 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 Croton-on-Hudson 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 Croton-on-Hudson 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 Croton-on-Hudson Fire
Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department.