04-28-03 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 28, 2003 which consisted of a fire engine and hose cart purchased for $1,000; and was staffed by volunteers who protected South Bend, which had been formally incorporated and plated in 1831; and WHEREAS, in 1865 the Town Board authorized a salary of $25.00 annually for the Chief to oversee and be responsible for directing all firefighting efforts and to supervise the 30 self - supplying municipal water cisterns located throughout South Bend; and WHEREAS, by 1868, South Bend officials purchased a horse -drawn rotary steam engine and South Bend's fire protection was considered to be at a premium because insurance agents reported that "no city in the West was better secured against fire than South Bend ", citing the fine firefighting equipment, two (2) brick fire houses and the several stationary engines protecting the major manufacturing areas owned by the Studebaker Brothers, the Birdsells and the Olivers; and WHEREAS, in 1879 the first telephones were installed in the fire houses; in 1882 ten (10) fire alarm telegraph boxes were installed throughout the City which could be activated by keys; and in March of 1886 the Council required that only paid firefighters would be used in the City; and WHEREAS, the Council proudly recognizes that the South Bend Fire Department's rich & vibrant history reflects the courageous firefighters who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding life & property in the City of South Bend; which has grown to 248 sworn firefighters with a Fire /EMS budget of $16,826,618 whose duties include fire suppression, emergency medical services, public education, prevention services & special operations consisting of a Water Rescue Team, a Hazmat Team, a Tactical Rescue Team, & an Indiana River Rescue Team; who utilize 6,000 fire hydrants, live in 12 fire stations and protect a community of 107,789 persons living in a forty square mile area, as well as protecting the millions of dollars worth of homes and businesses. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AS FOLLOWS: Section I. On behalf of all of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council hereby publicly commends all past and present dedicated and courageous members of the SOUTH BEND FIRE DEPARTMENT on their 150th anniversary. Section II. The Common Council wishes to acknowledge the rich and proud history of the SOUTH BEND FIRE DEPARTMENT, and would especially like to recognize that in 2002, members of the SOUTH BEND FIRE DEPARTMENT responded to 2,983 calls for services, conducted 10,332 inspections and 311 investigations in the City of South Bend, Indiana. Section III. The Common Council acknowledges that the tireless efforts of Fire Chief Luther J. Taylor and his experienced staff have forged a positive working relationship with the hardworking and dedicated members of the South Bend Firefighters' Association Local No. 362 of the International Association of Firefighters, AFL -CIO who represent the best and finest firefighters ever. Section IV. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Common Council and approval by the Mayor. s /James Aranowski, First District s /Ervin Kuspa, Sixth District a