[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 26, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1175-E1176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   OAK HILL-DURHAM VOLUNTEER FIRE CO., CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 1996

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, anyone who visits my office cannot help but 
notice the display of fire helmets that dominates my reception area. 
They are there for two reasons. First, I had the privilege of being a 
volunteer fireman in my hometown of Queensbury for more than 20 years, 
which helps explain the second reason, the tremendous respect that 
experience gave me for those who provide fire protection in our rural 
areas.
  In a rural area like the 22d District of New York, fire protection is 
often solely in the hands of these volunteer companies. In New York 
State alone they save countless lives and billions of dollars worth of 
property. That is why the efforts of people like those firefighters in 
the Oak Hill-Durham Fire Department is so critical.
  Mr. Speaker, I have always been partial to the charm and character of 
small towns and small town people. The town of Durham, NY, and the 
village of Oak Hill is certainly no exception. The traits which make me 
most fond of such communities is the undeniable camaraderie which 
exists among neighbors. Looking out for one another and the needs of 
the community make places like the Oak Hill-Durham area great places to 
live. This concept of community service is exemplified by the devoted 
service of the Oak Hill-Durham Volunteer Fire Department. For 50 years 
now, this organization has provided critical services for their 
neighbors on a volunteer basis.
  Mr. Speaker, it has become all to seldom that you see fellow citizens 
put themselves in harms way for the sake of another. While almost all 
things have changed over the years, thankfully for the residents there, 
the members of their fire department have selflessly performed their 
duty, without remiss, since the

[[Page E1176]]

formation of this organization 50 years ago. On this Saturday, June 29, 
1996, the fire company will be hosting an open house to commemorate 
this milestone. Not only will this offer the residents around Oak Hill 
and Durham a chance to enjoy themselves at the planned festivities, but 
it will provide the perfect opportunity for them to extend their 
gratitude to this organization and its members, both past and present.
  Mr. Speaker, I have always been one to judge people by how much they 
give back to their community. On that scale, the members of the Oak 
Hill-Durham Fire Co., are great Americans. I am truly proud of this 
organization because it typifies the spirit of voluntarism which has 
been such a central part of American life. To that end, it is with a 
sense of pride, Mr. Speaker, that I ask all members of the House to 
join me in paying tribute to the Oak Hill-Durham Fire Co., on the 
occasion of their 50th anniversary.

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