Honor McKownville Fire Department

2018 WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the McKownville Fire Department and to honor its past and present firefighting members for 100 years of fire protection to the citizens of McKownville and its surrounding communities; and WHEREAS, On April 4, 1916, a group of residents met and formed a committee to formalize the gathering of public support and funding for the formation of a fire district, and a fire company to serve it; and WHEREAS, At a meeting held on November 13, 1917, it was decided to petition the Board of Supervisors to establish a fire district; and WHEREAS, On March 18, 1918, the McKownville Fire Department, Inc. was organized with 23 members signing the charter; and WHEREAS, On June 11, 1918, the certificate of incorporation for the McKownville Fire District was presented to Frederick Van Wormer, Supervisor of the Town of Guilderland; and WHEREAS, On June 22, 1918, the McKownville Fire Department was formed by resolution to serve the district; 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 McKownville 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, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of the McKownville Fire Department 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 volunteers left their homes and went to the aid of their neighbors; and WHEREAS, The brave firefighters of the McKownville 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 McKownville Fire Department reflects the history and development of firefighting over the past 100 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 100th Anniversary of the McKownville Fire Department to be celebrated in June 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the McKownville Fire Department.