[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 188 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                         April 6, 2005.
Whereas in 1736 Benjamin Franklin founded the Union Fire Company, the first 
        volunteer fire company;
Whereas there are more than 1,100,000 firefighters in the United States;
Whereas approximately 75 percent of all firefighters are volunteers who receive 
        little or no compensation for their heroic work;
Whereas career and combination fire departments protect 3 out of 4 Americans;
Whereas there are more than 30,000 fire departments in the United States;
Whereas approximately 100 firefighters die in the line of duty each year;
Whereas more than 340 firefighters died responding to the terrorist attacks on 
        September 11, 2001;
Whereas firefighters respond to more than 24,000,000 calls during an average 
        year;
Whereas firefighters also provide emergency medical services and life safety 
        education; and
Whereas it is estimated that on April 7, 2005, more than 2,000 firefighters will 
        attend the 17th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and 
        Seminars: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors and recognizes the more 
than 1,100,000 firefighters in the United States for their contributions to and 
sacrifice for the Nation.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.