[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 113 (Monday, July 29, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                BALDWIN FIRE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATING 100

 Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, I rise today to speak on behalf of 
the Baldwin Fire Department as they gear up to celebrate 100 years of 
volunteer fire service to Baldwin, NY.
  Baldwin was a small hamlet in 1896 when, on a cold January night, the 
general store at its center caught fire after a kerosene lantern was 
dropped. The neighboring Freeport volunteers were summoned to save the 
surrounding buildings. Shortly thereafter a group of civic leaders met 
to organize fire protection in and for Baldwin. A committee was formed 
to raise funds and the department was officially organized on February 
8. Initial equipment was purchased for $680 and the department went 
into service in April of 1896. There were 40 volunteers who were 
required to pay $3.90 each for their uniforms which consist of a cap, a 
white sweater lettered ``Baldwin'' and a belt. At that time the alarm 
was a railroad locomotive wheel rim hung from two poles and rung by a 
large sledgehammer. John H. Carl served as chief for the first 4 years. 
After 2 years, a permanent firehouse was built and a proper alarm bell 
was installed. The department had strong support from the community and 
the mortgage on this firehouse was paid off in May 1905.
  Since those humble beginnings, the Baldwin Fire Department has kept 
pace with firefighting techniques and developments and attained its 
present size of 226 members among its seven companies. The present 
apparatus consists of seven pumpers, two tower ladders, one heavy 
rescue truck, two ambulances, two water rescue boats on trailers, and 
four chief's vehicles. In 1995 this all-volunteer fire and rescue 
service responded to 1,783 alarms. Currently it is led by Chief James 
Bugler. His deputy chiefs are John Coughlin, Keith Eckels, and Henry 
Chambers. Gary Eckels serves as chief of fire prevention, as public 
information officer, and as a fire commissioner.
  One of the biggest events ever held in Baldwin will take place on 
Saturday, August 10, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 
Baldwin Fire Department. The day will begin with some lively 
firefighter competitions. Later in the day a centennial parade will be 
led by the U.S. Marine Corps Band, followed by the world famous 
Budweiser Clydesdales, thousands of firefighters, hundreds of fire 
trucks, and many other participants. This will truly be a once-in-a-
lifetime event; a celebration of life, good works, and community spirit 
which has been displayed by the Baldwin Fire Department over 100 years 
of change. Many pieces have been woven together over the years to bring 
us to this great day; a day of celebration, a day to salute all of 
those who have given of their very selves to better community, to 
better America. Mr. President, I salute the brave men and women of the 
Baldwin Fire Department and wish them many more years of continued 
success.

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