[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 17, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SALUTE TO THE UPPER MONTGOMERY COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______


                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 17, 1996

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the Upper 
Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department, which celebrates its 50th 
anniversary this year.
  The Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department was 
incorporated in 1946 as a result of a major fire in the area. Before 
that time, the closest firefighting and emergency medical help had to 
respond from a distance of 18 miles. The department has grown to serve 
80 square miles and currently covers almost one-fifth of the county.
  The department is comprised of 80 members, with active volunteers and 
career firefighters making up one-half of the membership. For 50 years, 
these dedicated members have willingly placed themselves in great 
danger so as to make the community safer for others. In volunteering to 
undertake the risks inherent in firefighting, they have shown a rare 
dedication to helping others.
  From the auxiliary to the board of directors to the firefighters 
themselves, the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department's 
members are committed to keeping the community safe and fire-free. I 
would like to call special attention to George T. Hillard, who has 
served as the elected volunteer chief for every year but one since 
1958, and the five charter members who are still with us: Charles 
Elgin, Sr., Charles Staub, A. Leland Clark, Benoni Allnut, and R. Edwin 
Brown. I would also like to recognize George Reid for the many years of 
comfort he has provided as the chaplain for the department.
  I am certain my colleagues will join me in congratulating the Upper 
Montgomery County Fire Department on 50 years of dedicated service, and 
wish them equal success in the many years to come.

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