LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Halcottsville Fire Department to be celebrated on Saturday, September 18, 2010 WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commemorate the 100th Anni- versary of the Halcottsville Fire Department and to honor its past and present firefighting members for 100 years of fire protection to the citizens of Halcottsville 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 100 years, the courageous and devoted firefighters of Halcottsville 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 Halcottsville 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 Halcottsville 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, Halcottsville Fire Department reflects the history and development of firefighting over the past 100 years; and WHEREAS, One hundred years ago on a cold February day, G.E. Griffin, John Morse and other members of the Halcottsville Fire Department organ- ized the hamlet's first fire company; and a new water system had just been installed, primarily for the anticipation of the fire company's establishment; and WHEREAS, For the first six years, the Department was extremely busy responding to mainly chimney fires which were prevalent at the time; today, it is active and also assists and provides mutual aid for other local fire companies; 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 Halcottsville Fire Department; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran- smitted to Halcottsville Fire Department.