Senate Resolution No. 248 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 110th Anniversary of the Sylvan Beach Fire Department WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the Anniversary of the Sylvan Beach Fire Department and to honor its past and present firefighting members for 110 years of fire protection for the citizens of Sylvan Beach, New York; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated at an Installation Dinner at Vernon Downs Casino Hotel in Vernon, New York, on Saturday, January 25, 2025; and WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and indebted to our noble firefighters who exhibit courage and bravery every day in the course of their duties; firefighters exemplify the power of human compassion and the strength of the American spirit through actions of the most heroic magnitude; their sacrifices and selfless dedication merit tribute and recognition by all citizens of this great country; and WHEREAS, Volunteer fire companies are an integral part of community protection services in every locality of our State; during the past 110 years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of the Sylvan Beach 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 1880, Sylvan Beach Fire and Protective Association was first formed with only two horse-drawn carts; two more carts and the community's first fire hydrants were added a short time later; the carts were stationed in four different locations throughout the Village; and WHEREAS, Prior to the installation of the siren, the church bell at the Catholic Church was used to sound the alert for service calls; the addresses of the calls were written on a chalkboard outside the station to inform the responders where to go; and WHEREAS, In 1914, Sylvan Beach Fire and Protective Association joined the Firemen's Association of the State of New York, becoming certified as Sylvan Beach Fire Department in 1915; the first station was located behind Head's Grocery Store; circa 1930, the present-day station was constructed beside Ethel's Restaurant; later, the restaurant was purchased to add to the station; and WHEREAS, Throughout the decades since its inception, the Sylvan Beach Fire Department has become one of New York State's finest fire organizations through its responsiveness to the growth and changing needs of its community; the Department reflects the history and development of firefighting over the past 110 years; and WHEREAS, With its impressive force of caring firefighters, the record of the Sylvan Beach Fire Department in public service and fire protection is one to be applauded; for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for 110 years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble men and women selflessly and tirelessly risked their lives to save the lives of others and to protect homes and property from the destruction caused by fire and hazards to life, health, and well-being; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude to those 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 publicly acknowledge the heroic good works performed by the 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 110th Anniversary of the Sylvan Beach Fire Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Sylvan Beach Fire Department.