[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 106 (Thursday, August 4, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 4, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             H.W. ROGERS HOSE CO. IS SECOND OLDEST IN STATE

                                 ______


                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 4, 1994

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, research has shown that the H.W. Rogers 
Hose Co. No. 2 of Hudson is the second oldest volunteer fire company in 
the State of New York.
  Ironically, the title of oldest volunteer fire company is bestowed on 
another Hudson unit, J.E. Edmonds Hose Co. No. 1, formed 7 months 
earlier in 1794.
  Mr. Speaker, I've always reserved a special place in my heart for 
volunteer firemen, partially out of a special bias. I was a volunteer 
fireman myself for over 20 years in my hometown of Queensbury. I know 
well the sacrifices these volunteers make to provide fire protection in 
mostly rural areas.
  In New York State alone, they save countless lives and billions of 
dollars worth of property every year. They come from all walks of life, 
all social classes, all ages, and all economic levels. Frequent 
attendance at training schools has honed their skills to a professional 
level. But above all they are marked by a spirit of civic pride and 
desire to help their neighbors, especially when trouble arises.
  And the H.W. Rogers Hose Co. No. 2 has been doing it for 200 years. 
We could only imagine how many buildings have been saved, and how many 
lives and livestock rescued by the prompt action of these dedicated 
volunteers.
  Many of you have noted the display of fire helmets in the reception 
area of my office. That's a tribute to my respect for volunteer 
firemen. A more official tribute will be paid to H.W. Rogers Hose Co. 
No. 2 on August 20, along with its sister company, J.W. Edmonds Hose 
Co. No. 1. This is one exfireman who looks forward to marching with 
them in their firemen's parade.
  In meantime, Mr. Speaker, let us pay our own tribute to H.W. Rogers 
Hose Co. No. 2 for its two centuries of outstanding fire protection.

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