[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 123 (Thursday, July 27, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    IN HONOR OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 27, 1995
  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Houston Fire 
Department on its 100th anniversary and to salute these brave men and 
women who have served the city of Houston so well.
  The full-time Houston Fire Department began at 1 minute past midnight 
on June 1, 1895 with 44 men and 40 horses in 7 stations to serve 
Houston's 9 square miles. Only 32,000 people lived in Houston, and 
downtown was just a few square blocks. Today, the department employs 
3,115 firefighters in 81 stations that serve 1.65 million people who 
live throughout Houston's 594 square miles.
  Today, Houston has the third largest fire department in the Nation, 
and its emergency medical service ambulance division is recognized as 
one of the Nation's best for trauma care. The department's hazardous 
materials response team is also among the world's most experienced in 
handling petrochemical leaks, spills, and incidents.
  We seldom think of firefighters unless we hear a screaming siren or 
see the flashing light of a fire engine. But the fact that we don't 
think often about firefighters is a testament to how well they do their 
job--we comfortably go about our everyday lives because we know that 
these dedicated people stand ready to respond quickly and effectively 
in an emergency.
  So it is appropriate to mark this anniversary by thanking those who 
provide us with this everyday security and who stand ready to risk 
their lives to protect us. Much of firefighting is undramatic--keeping 
equipment in condition, teaching fire prevention, anticipating causes 
of fire. But a life-and-death emergency is always only a 911 call away, 
and firefighters and their families live with that constant risk. For 
that, we say thank you.
  It is especially appropriate that the Houston Fire Museum, is 
sponsoring a celebration to honor these men and women for their 100 
years of dedication and service. And I congratulate the museum on the 
service it provides in honoring firefighters and educating the public 
about the importance of fire safety and the history of the fire 
service.
  Again, I would like to congratulate the Houston Fire Department and 
the men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving others. For 
100 years, they have kept the city of Houston safe.


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