[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 106 (Thursday, July 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    PHILMONT FIRE COMPANY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 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 fire fighters in 
the Philmont 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 Philmont in Columbia 
County 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 
makes places like Philmont great places to live. This concept of 
community service is exemplified by the devoted service of the members 
of their volunteer fire department. For 100 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 in 
Philmont, the members of their fire department have selflessly 
performed their duty, without remiss, since the formation of this 
organization one century ago. On Saturday, July 27, 1996, the fire 
company will be holding a parade to commemorate this milestone. Not 
only will this offer the residents around Philmont 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 
Philmont Fire Company 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 Philmont Fire Company on the occasion 
of their 100th anniversary.

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