Assembly Resolution No. 1590
BY: M. of A. Palmesano
HONORING William "Bill" Fries upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition after 40
years of distinguished service as Chief of the
Hammondsport Fire Department
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those distinguished citizens whose professional lives and civic
endeavors have been characterized by an unwavering commitment to
excellence, leadership, and service to their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
William "Bill" Fries upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition after 40 years of distinguished service as Chief of the
Hammondsport Fire Department, celebrated at its Annual Gala on May 9,
2026; and
WHEREAS, William "Bill" Fries has dedicated nearly five decades of
exemplary service to the Hammondsport Fire Department and to the
residents of the Village of Hammondsport and surrounding communities;
and
WHEREAS, Chief Fries joined the Hammondsport Fire Department on May
1, 1977, embarking upon a remarkable career of volunteer service that
has spanned 49 years and continues to inspire generations of
firefighters and community members alike; and
WHEREAS, Following distinguished service as Assistant Chief from
1981 through 1985, William Fries was elected Chief of the Hammondsport
Fire Department in 1986; this year marks the milestone of 40 years as
the department's chief officer, a tenure defined by steadfast
leadership, professionalism, and devotion to public safety; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his extraordinary career, Chief Fries has served
the Hammondsport Fire Department in numerous capacities, including
Assistant Chief and Secretary, and has consistently demonstrated
exceptional dedication to the welfare of both his department and the
community it serves; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his outstanding service, Chief Fries was
named Fireman of the Year by the Hammondsport Fire Department in 1989
and, in 2023, was honored as Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year by the New
York State Association of Fire Chiefs during its 117th Annual Conference
and FIRE 2023 Expo in Syracuse, New York; and
WHEREAS, Under Chief Fries' leadership, the Hammondsport Fire
Department has committed itself to training and preparedness at the
highest level, resulting in one of the few volunteer fire departments in
New York State achieving an ISO rating of 3, a reflection of the
department's operational excellence and commitment to community safety;
and
WHEREAS, Chief Fries has completed extensive professional training
and earned numerous New York State certifications in disciplines
including fire suppression, incident command, hazardous materials
response, rescue operations, emergency vehicle operation, wildfire
tactics, water rescue awareness, public safety leadership, terrorism
awareness, fire investigation, and emergency medical response, among
many others; and
WHEREAS, His commitment to education and professional development
has extended far beyond his own department, as he has consistently
sought innovative training opportunities for firefighters throughout the
region and has welcomed neighboring departments to participate in
drills, hands-on exercises, and classroom instruction hosted by the
Hammondsport Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Chief Fries has further distinguished himself through
decades of service to regional fire service organizations, including
service as a member of the Steuben County Fire Advisory Board, a
longtime member and Treasurer of the Steuben County Fire Chiefs
Association, a Past President of the Steuben County Fire Chiefs
Association, and since 2012, as a Steuben County Deputy Fire
Coordinator, known throughout the region as Car 93; and
WHEREAS, His leadership has been characterized by an unwavering
commitment to interagency cooperation and collaboration, fostering
strong working relationships among neighboring fire departments, county
agencies, state agencies, and emergency service organizations for the
betterment of public safety throughout the Finger Lakes region; and
WHEREAS, Beyond his extensive fire service accomplishments, Chief
Fries has devoted countless hours to the betterment of his community
through service on the Hammondsport Community Services Board, employment
with the Taylor Wine Company, service as a certified water operator for
the Village of Hammondsport Department of Public Works, and a
distinguished career as a bus driver and Transportation Supervisor for
the Hammondsport Central School District; and
WHEREAS, For more than 20 years, Chief Fries served as
Transportation Superintendent for the Hammondsport Central School
District, where he played a vital role in advancing student safety
initiatives, fire and life safety education, and fire prevention
programs; and
WHEREAS, Through his active participation in school career day
programs and youth outreach initiatives, Chief Fries has inspired many
students to join the fire service as junior firefighters, thereby
helping to secure the future of volunteer firefighting in his community;
and
WHEREAS, Volunteerism has long been a family tradition for the Fries
family, with multiple generations actively serving in the Hammondsport
Fire Department, reflecting Chief Fries' enduring commitment to public
service and community involvement; and
WHEREAS, Widely respected as a mentor, educator, ambassador for fire
safety, and champion of volunteerism, Chief Fries is known throughout
the region for his integrity, compassion, and tireless dedication to
firefighters and their families; and
WHEREAS, Colleagues and community members alike regard Chief Fries
as the "heart and soul" of the Hammondsport Fire Department, a role
model whose leadership, humility, and service have earned the admiration
and gratitude of all who have had the privilege to serve alongside him;
and
WHEREAS, The residents of Hammondsport, Steuben County, and New York
State have been the beneficiaries of William Fries' extraordinary
commitment to public safety, civic engagement, and community service;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor William "Bill" Fries upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition after 40 years of distinguished service as Chief of
the Hammondsport Fire Department, and to commend him for his exceptional
leadership, unwavering dedication, and enduring contributions to the
fire service and the citizens of New York State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to William "Bill" Fries.
