Senate Resolution No. 1217
BY: Senator OBERACKER
COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of the Hartwick
Fire Department Company No. 2 - Hartwick Seminary,
to be celebrated on June 21, 2025
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor fire departments that have provided unwavering service and
dedication to the safety and well-being of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
75th Anniversary of the Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 2 -
Hartwick Seminary, to be celebrated on Saturday, June 21, 2025, and to
honor its past and present firefighting members for 75 years of fire
protection to the citizens of Hartwick Seminary, New York and its
surrounding communities; and
WHEREAS, The origins of the Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 2
date back to 1948-1949, when concerned citizens from the hamlets of Hyde
Park, New York and Hartwick Seminary began discussing the need for fire
protection in their area; and
WHEREAS, These early visionaries sought guidance and training by
attending town board meetings and drills with Hartwick Fire Department
Co. 1, culminating in the first official meeting of Hartwick Fire
Department Company No. 2 on June 20, 1950, attended by 14 community
members including Kenneth Aney, Henry Aney, John Aney, Clark Miller, and
others; and
WHEREAS, In its early days, the Hartwick Fire Department Company No.
2 met in members' homes-often those with the latest innovation, the
television-holding meetings on Wednesday nights during breaks in the
popular show "Wagon Train"; and
WHEREAS, The Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 2's humble
beginnings included a trailer outfitted with basic firefighting
equipment, pulled to fire scenes by local farmers using tractors, with
volunteers summoned by the ringing of the Lutheran Church bell and phone
calls; and
WHEREAS, A 1940 Plymouth pickup truck served as the department's
first motorized vehicle, followed by a 1954 Willys Jeep painted Fire
Engine Red, funded by community dinners and volunteer efforts; and
WHEREAS, In 1957, land was donated by Floyd Kitts and the C.J.
Strong family, and a new fire hall was constructed in 1958 by members
and local craftsmen, including the dedicated work of the Ryan Boys and
Bob Bailey; and
WHEREAS, A major fire in 1960, known locally as the Snood House
fire, further galvanized the department's commitment to formal
firefighting training and equipment improvements; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, the department expanded its services and
fleet, including the acquisition of an Emergency Rescue Van in 1973 and
the construction of a fire hall addition in 1974, which members
outfitted themselves to reduce costs; and
WHEREAS, Today, Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 2 operates a
1995 International tanker, 2000 Dodge Dakota brush truck, 2006 engine,
and 2006 Chevy Tahoe, continuing its long tradition of service and
readiness; and
WHEREAS, The 75th Anniversary is not only a celebration of the
department's proud past, but also a testament to the enduring spirit of
community, service, and volunteerism that defines the residents of
Hartwick Seminary and Hyde Park; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Hartwick Fire Department Company
No. 2 - Hartwick Seminary and to extend its deepest gratitude to its
members, past and present, for their decades of dedicated service; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 2 in honor of
this historic milestone.
