[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 11, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H9867]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page H 9867]]


                      TRIBUTE TO THE FIREFIGHTERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Alabama [Mr. Bevill] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BEVILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute during National 
Fire Prevention Week to all the firefighters who do such an outstanding 
job protecting their communities. They are dedicated professionals 
working a dangerous job which requires them to put their own lives on 
the line while saving others. They are true heroes and we certainly 
appreciate and respect all of them.
  I especially want to recognize the volunteer firefighters who work to 
protect the rural areas where they live. They face unique challenges 
and risks in protecting large areas. Frequently, they must deal with a 
lack of equipment, inadequate water supply and not enough well-trained 
volunteer firefighters.
  As you know, a majority of rural fire departments say that improving 
the water supply is one of their highest priorities. Studies show that 
residents living in communities with populations of 5,000 or less are 
almost twice as likely to die in a house fire than residents in 
communities of 5,000 or more. Compared to city dwellers, rural 
homeowners suffer more than twice the property loss from fire each 
year. It is a major challenge for small communities to provide fire 
protection for area residents, farms and forests and lack of adequate 
water supply is one of the main reasons.
  As we recognize National Fire Prevention Week, we should look for 
ways at the local, State and Federal level to strengthen the 
capabilities of our rural volunteer fire departments.
  All levels of government must cooperate to help provide essential 
rural fire protection.
  And, as citizens, we must work together to try to reduce the number 
of fires our firefighters must deal with. As you know, common sense and 
personal responsibility can go a long way toward the prevention of 
fires.

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