[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NORTHERN CENTRAL NEW YORK VOLUNTEER 
                         FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION

                                 ______


                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, June 7, 1995
  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
village of Fairport's firefighters for hosting the 100th Anniversary 
Convention of the Northern Central New York Volunteer Firemen's 
Association. The Northern Central Volunteers have provided an 
invaluable service not only to volunteer firefighters throughout 
upstate New York, but also to the many people whose lives they have 
protected. I am pleased that my home village of Fairport is playing 
such a significant role by hosting this important event.
  The Northern Central New York Firemen's Association was created in 
1895 when William Weedsport and a few other volunteer firefighters 
between Rochester and Syracuse met to discuss issues relative to 
firefighters in their region. Since then, they have been a local 
adjunct to the Fire Association of New York State. The Northern Central 
New York Volunteer Firemen's Association has worked very closely with 
its State association to promote and protect the interests of firemen 
for the past 100 years.
  The Northern Central delegation's contribution to the history of 
firefighters in New York State has been immeasurable. Three of the 
presidents of the Firemen's Association of New York State and one 
president-elect have come from the Northern Central Association in the 
past 15 years. Several of the Northern Central Volunteers have also 
served as trustees and presidents for the Firemen's Home in Hudson, NY.
  The Rochester delegation of the Northern Central Volunteers also has 
a long history of leadership. After the Second World War, the Northern 
Central volunteers grew in membership and geographical area. Seneca, 
Ontario, Oswego, Steuben, and Yates Counties were added to the existent 
membership in Cayuga, Monroe, Onondaga and Wayne Counties. Sam Pitcher 
of Fairport, Joey Kuhn of Penfield and Lavern Barrett of Lyons were 
instrumental in adapting the Northern Central Firemen's Association to 
this dramatic growth. By writing a new constitution, creating new 
committees such as the Public Relations Committees, establishing new 
honors such as the Fireman of the Year Award, and launching new 
program's such as the Ladies Day Program, they and all of the members 
since 1895 have helped carry the Northern Central volunteer firemen 
into the 21st century.
  Mr. Speaker, we should all be thankful for the courage and commitment 
to the safety of the people of New York State that the Northern Central 
volunteer firemen have displayed over the past 100 years. Please join 
me in saluting their service to our Nation.


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