[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 31, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    WILLIAM H. MORTON ENGINE CO. NO. 1 CELEBRATES 125TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 31, 1996

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, anyone who visits my office can't help but 
notice the display of fire helmets that dominate my reception area. 
They're 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.
  Mr. Speaker, 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 Athens, NY, is so critical.
  And that's why, Mr. Speaker, back in 1870 the residents of the 
growing village of Athens demanded more fire protection and the William 
H. Morton Engine Co. was born in 1871. It was founded based on this 
need to serve one another.
  On that note, Mr. Speaker, those are the traits that make me most 
fond of such communities, the undeniable camaraderie which exists among 
neighbors. Looking out for one another and the good of the whole is 
what makes places like Athens a great place to live and raise a family. 
And this concept of community service couldn't be better exemplified 
than by the devoted service of the fine men and women who have 
comprised the William H. Morton Engine Co. No. 1 over its 125-year 
history. That's right, for well over a century, this organization has 
provided critical services for the citizens of Athens on a volunteer 
basis. As a former volunteer fireman myself, I understand, and 
appreciate, the commitment required to perform such vital public 
duties.
  Mr. Speaker, it has become all too 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 of Athens, the members of their fire department have 
selflessly performed their duty, without remiss, since back in 1871.
  You know, I have always said there is nothing more all-American than 
volunteering to help one's community. By that measure, Mr. Speaker, the 
members of the William H. Morton Engine Co. No. 1, past and present, 
are truly great Americans. In that regard, I ask that you, Mr. Speaker, 
and all Members of the House, join me now in paying tribute to these 
dedicated men and women.

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