Honor New Berlin Firefighters

2017 WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the New Berlin Fire Department and to honor its past and present firefighting members for 150 years of fire protection to the citizens of New Berlin, 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 150 years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of the New Berlin 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, The mission of the New Berlin Fire Department is the preservation of life and protection of property from and during such emergencies that may occur in the New Berlin Fire Department Protection District and to promote safety within the district; and WHEREAS, The New Berlin Fire Department has a rich history that began with its formation in July of 1867; during this time, there were three separate fire companies operating: the Richer Hose Company No. 2, the Hook and Ladder Company, and the Crystal Hose Company No. 1; together these made up the New Berlin Fire Department; and WHEREAS, Ed Fuller was the first chief of the New Berlin Fire Department, serving from 1867 until 1880; fire line officers included the fire chief, foreman and chief engineers, and each had a specific task on the fire scene; and WHEREAS, The village purchased the first fire bell with a contribution from department members in October of 1923, which allowed the bell to blow automatically; that same year, they purchased their first motorized pumper; and WHEREAS, On May 9, 1930, the village board officially recognized the New Berlin Fire Department as one body; department officers were elected to include the chief, first assistant chief, second assistant chief, secretary, treasurer, three trustees, lieutenant and captain; and WHEREAS, In an effort to improve training participation, an award was created to recognize members obtaining over 100 hours of training; since its inception this program has led to more than 2,500 man hours in training each and every year; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to its community, the New Berlin Fire Department hosts such fundraising events as bingo, boot drives, harvest dinners, Unadilla MX concessions, bowling tournaments and raffles; and WHEREAS, Today, the New Berlin Fire Department is under the able leadership of its chief, Barry Jacobs, and president, Larissa Hanslmaier; and WHEREAS, With a membership of dedicated firefighters, the record of the New Berlin Fire Department in public service and fire protection is one to be envied; for 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year, for 150 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 New Berlin 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 New Berlin Fire Department reflects the history and development of firefighting over the past 150 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 150th Anniversary of the New Berlin Fire Department to be celebrated on July 28, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the New Berlin Fire Department.