J 520: Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Pultneyville Fire Company on September 13, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 520 BY: Senator HELMING COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Pultneyville Fire Company on September 13, 2025 WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Pultneyville Fire Company and to honor its past and present firefighting members for a century of fire protection to the citizens of Pultneyville, 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 100 years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of the Pultneyville Fire Company have valiantly responded to all types of fire emergencies and have won the praise and respect of the community which they serve so diligently; and WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of the Pultneyville Fire Company in public service and fire protection is one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year, for 100 years, whenever the alarm sounded, these noble first responders left their homes and went to the aid of their neighbors; and WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of the Pultneyville Fire Company are prepared to risk their lives every day to 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 Pultneyville Fire Company reflects the history and development of firefighting over the past 100 years; and WHEREAS, At the inception of the Pultneyville Fire Company, the early firefighting efforts were limited to bucket brigades and rudimentary extinguishers; and WHEREAS, A devastating fire in 1923 prompted the community to take swift action in the formation of an official fire company; by 1924, two hose carts and 500 feet of hose were acquired; in 1925, 24 men formally established the Pultneyville Fire Company (PFC), electing Asa Courteville as the first fire chief; and WHEREAS, The company's initial fire alarm system evolved from a large triangle to church bells and, later, an electric siren; in 1928, the Pultneyville Fire Company obtained its first fire truck- a 1925 Sanford chemical hose truck, significantly improving response capability; and WHEREAS, Over the span of the 1900s, the company experienced much growth and modernization, including the purchasing and remodeling of its firehouse; the introduction of the annual Fireman's Field Days fundraiser; the acquisition of a 1948 Ford pumper-tanker; the selling, restoration, and reacquisition of the 1925 Sanford truck; the acquisition and dedication of the first brand-new truck, the 1974 Sanford; and the construction of a new firehouse, funded by creative fundraising endeavors, such as the hosting of a circus; and WHEREAS, Recognizing Pultneyville's proximity to Lake Ontario, the company expanded into water rescues; the company achieved its first official boat rescue in 1942, and in 1975, acquired a 30-foot Coast Guard cutter for marine rescue; from the 1990s to 2017, there were upgrades made to the company's rescue boats, culminating in a custom-built 28' Boston Whaler; and WHEREAS, Pultneyville Fire Company remains committed to land and water safety, adapting to modern challenges through rigorous training and community support; as a unique volunteer organization where taxpayers own the equipment, and firefighters own the building, the company thrives on public contributions and dedication; 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 100th Anniversary of the Pultneyville Fire Company to be celebrated on September 13, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Pultneyville Fire Company.