Honor Firemen’s 130th Anniversary

January 11, 2020 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations of high purpose and worthy accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the citizens of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 130th Anniversary of the Volunteer Fireman's Benevolent Association which was celebrated on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at its Annual Banquet at the Rome Elks Lodge in Rome, New York; and WHEREAS, As with tradition, members rang the brass bell originally from a 1949 LaFrance fire truck to start their annual meetings and remember past members; and WHEREAS, The Volunteer Fireman's Benevolent Association is made up of a brotherhood of three companies, Rome Hook & Ladder, Fort Stanwix Hose Company No. 2, and Independent Hose Company No. 1; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of President Edward Palinski, the Volunteer Fireman's Benevolent Association diligently works to protect and aid its members and their dependents; and WHEREAS, In addition to President Edward Palinski, the Volunteer Fireman's Benevolent Association's officers are: First Vice President Robert Shaller, Second Vice President Rick Seifert, Secretary/Treasurer Keith W. Townsend, and elected trustees for a two-year term: Sean McLaughlin, John Aiello, Jerry Maurer and Douglas Jones; and WHEREAS, Through the years, the Association has collected numerous artifacts, such as the red shirts once worn by members during area parades and some equipment which dates to at least the early 1900s; currently stored at the Rome Cemetery, the items will be donated to the Rome Historical Society; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to proudly commemorate the 130th Anniversary of the Volunteer Fireman's Benevolent Association which was celebrated on January 11, 2020; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Edward Palinski, President, Volunteer Fireman's Benevolent Association.