K 843: Commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the New Hartford Fire Department

 Assembly Resolution No. 843 BY: M. of A. Miller COMMEMORATING the 125th Anniversary of the New Hartford Fire Department WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the Anniversary of the New Hartford Fire Department and to honor its past and present firefighting members for 125 years of fire protection for the citizens of New Hartford, New York; 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 125 years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of the New Hartford 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 January 3, 1926, the Village of New Hartford, New York, established its fire department; this vital part of the community was formed when 20 men who thought their village deserved better protection took the initiative; and WHEREAS, The Village Board agreed to furnish four rubber coats, six lanterns, the necessary funds for a hose cart, and a suitable building as a firehouse; the bell of the Presbyterian Church was designated as an alarm; and WHEREAS, Through the decades, the New Hartford Fire Department has been a local leader in the fire service; in 1916, New Hartford was the first village of its size to have a motorized fire apparatus; in 1940, a first-aid program was introduced to its members, starting the journey of more than 85 years of first-response medical service to the citizens of New Hartford; and WHEREAS, The New Hartford Fire Department is a true department of New Hartford's government; its chief and 10 fire officers are elected by the Department's members; and WHEREAS, The Department consists of other services which have been added through the years; the Emergency Medical Service (EMS), hazardous materials response, and technical rescue are just a few; and WHEREAS, Additionally, the New Hartford Firemen's Benevolent Association, Inc., which was founded in 1932, was formed to maintain the health and welfare of its members; "civil" officers include a president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary; all current and former active members of the Department comprise the Association; and WHEREAS, Today, the New Hartford Fire Department remains one of the busiest volunteer fire departments in Oneida County, answering an average of 100 calls per month; since 1901, the Department has answered more than 45,000 alarms; in 2025, the Department answered 1,200 calls for service, an average of three calls per day; and WHEREAS, Thousands of hours go into training firefighters and EMTs; since 1901, 875 individuals have answered the call for service; of those 875, 108 are currently active; collectively, New Hartford firefighters have given 9,000 years to the community; today, the Department operates three engine companies, a truck company, two rescues, two EMS units, a utility squad, a utility terrain vehicle (UTV), two command vehicles, and a drone; and WHEREAS, With its impressive force of caring firefighters, the record of the New Hartford Fire Department in public service and fire protection is one to be applauded; for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for 125 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 125th Anniversary of the New Hartford Fire Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the New Hartford Fire Department.