[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 154 (Friday, September 29, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1883-E1884]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CLINTON TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT OF FIRE/RESCUE

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 1995

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to observe the 50th anniversary 
of the Clinton Township Department of Fire/Rescue. The event is being 
commemorated this evening, September 29, 1995, during a dinner and 
dance at the Fern Hill Country Club in Clinton Township, MI.
  In July 1944, the Township Board of Trustees asked the citizens of 
the township if they would authorize $10,000 to purchase equipment and 
staff a fire department. In November, a bid was accepted for the 
purchase of a fire truck and by May 1945, Mr. Andrew Rushford was hired 
as the head of the volunteer fire department.
  Fifty years later, the department has grown to 79 highly trained and 
professional personnel. Since the single engine volunteer days of 1945, 
the Clinton Township firefighters have come a long way. Annually, 
members receive over 13,000 contact hours of training. They respond to 
over 4,000 calls a year. They have one of the best hazardous materials 
response teams in the State and the Fire Marshall Division investigates 
the cause of every fire in the township.
  We are truly fortunate to have people committed to serving their 
communities as firefighters. They stand ready to assist people 24 hours 
a day, regardless of the conditions or how difficult the situation may 
be. These men and women often face tasks that must be done during the 
worst moments of other people's lives. Fires, accidents, medical 
emergencies--regardless of the circumstances, firefighters can be 
counted on to do their best. The job is one in which we hope that the 
skills possessed are never used. However, as we all know, when these 
skills are required, we are grateful for those who have them.
  The members of the Clinton Township Department of Fire/Rescue have 
seen many changes in their community. Largely rural in 1945, Clinton 
Township has grown to become a populated suburban community. Major 
highways traverse the city, including Interstate I-94. Despite these 
changes, the department remains committed to serving the public, not 
only Clinton Township residents, but often travelers on these many 
roads who may be residents of other cities, States, and even countries. 
I believe that one of the most inspiring qualities of firefighters is 
that their mission is to save all lives, whether the person is young or 
old, rich or poor. When most are panicked and fleeing a crisis, they 
are going in and often risking their own lives in the process. The 
members of the Clinton Township 

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Department of Fire/Rescue are no exception and on behalf of everyone 
who has ever needed their services, I thank them for their devotion to 
duty.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in offering heartfelt 
congratulations to the members of the Clinton Township Department of 
Fire/Rescue for 50 years of outstanding service. I know that they will 
continue to serve the public with pride, dedication, and 
professionalism.

                          ____________________