K 73: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Town of Tonawanda Police Paramedics Unit in 2025

 Assembly Resolution No. 73 BY: M. of A. Conrad COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the Town of Tonawanda Police Paramedics Unit in 2025 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who give outstanding service to the people of the Empire State and whose extraordinary achievements save the lives of their fellow citizens should be recognized because their efforts so profoundly strengthen our shared commitment to family and community life; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Town of Tonawanda Police Paramedics Unit; and WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the compassion of those members of organizations within the State of New York who, in the course of their responsibilities, perform acts of heroic dimension and epitomize the best of humanity; and WHEREAS, Paramedics are an important part of the safety net of America's healthcare system; they provide lifesaving care to those in need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week; access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and WHEREAS, In 1974, Tonawanda's Town Board approved the formation of a paramedics unit; although the anticipated start date was April 1, 1975, due to delays, the first official paramedic call did not occur until August 11, 1975; the unit provided basic and advanced first aid to the citizens of the Town of Tonawanda and the Village of Kenmore; and WHEREAS, During the first year of existence, the nine full-time and three alternate paramedic trainees of the unit responded to 1,752 calls; after much growth of the population of the Town, the paramedics responded to 8,256 calls in 2023; and WHEREAS, Although there are several paramedics services in Western New York State, the Town of Tonawanda features the only municipal paramedics unit with 24/7 local municipal coverage; other municipalities have firefighter or ambulance paramedics units or utilize county paramedics; and WHEREAS, The Town of Tonawanda Police Paramedics Unit, the first one of its type within New York State, has implemented 675 hours of training, which is more than eight times the requirement for state-certified emergency medical technicians; the unit has been serving the greater Tonawanda community 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, for five decades; and WHEREAS, Throughout the five decades since its first emergency call, the Town of Tonawanda Police Paramedics Unit has drastically changed; with substantially more calls per year, more paramedics on staff were necessary; currently, 16 full-time and seven part-time paramedics respond to the needs of their fellow citizens; their credentials require 1,400 hours of training over the course of one year; and WHEREAS, This vital paramedics organization would not exist without individuals who sacrifice time spent with family and friends to put in countless hours to help a neighbor in need as well as those passing through; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals for the benefit of others which the Town of Tonawanda Police Paramedics Unit has displayed throughout its existence; and WHEREAS, In the performance of their duties, the members of the Town of Tonawanda Police Paramedics Unit have demonstrated their character and compassion for the welfare of others; they are a tremendous asset to the Town and the citizens of the State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Our unending gratitude and respect are owed to these devoted individuals whose responsibility is the preservation of life and who make that responsibility their own by serving in paramedics organizations; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Town of Tonawanda Police Paramedics Unit; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Town of Tonawanda Police Paramedics Unit.