[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 116 (Thursday, August 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO JOHN DECKER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 1, 1996

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, if you or other Members have ever been in 
my office, no doubt you've seen the fire helmets lining the walls. I 
must have hundreds of them. They are symbols of enormous respect and 
admiration I have for firefighters.
  It's not just that I used to be a volunteer firefighter myself in my 
hometown of Queensburg. It's more than that. I could sum up my feelings 
about firefighter in two words: John Decker.
  John Decker is celebrating his 50th year as a volunteer firefighter. 
By that yardstick, John Decker is a giant.
  Let me tell you a few things about volunteer firefighters in general. 
These are ordinary citizens from all walks of life who represent the 
only available fire protection in rural communities like the one I 
represent. In New York State alone they save countless lives and 
billions of dollar's worth of property. They surrender much of their 
time, not only to respond to fires but to upgrade their skills with 
constant training. Fighting fires is dirty, exhausting, and frequently 
dangerous work. Volunteer firefighters approach that work with a 
selfless dedication and the highest degree of professionalism.
  Typical of these volunteers, or, I should say, more than typical is 
John Decker. He joined the Hose Company #1 in Catskill, NY 50 years 
ago. There is no way to calculate the lives and property he has helped 
save in those 50 years, the number of hours he has spent in that 
effort, or the number of younger firemen he has inspired.
  He has served on numerous committees, as far back as 1947, John 
Decker was a delegate to the Greene County Volunteer Firemen's 
Association. From 1949-1956, he served on the board of directors, in 
1959 as financial secretary, and in 1977-1984 and 1991-1992 as the 
corresponding secretary. His contributions go far beyond his 
firefighting, he played a more active role in his community.
  Mr. Speaker, I've always been one to judge people on what they return 
to their community. By that measure, John Decker is truly a great 
American.
  Please join me, Mr. Speaker and all Members, in saluting a 
firefighter's firefighter, John Decker for his 50 years of service, and 
in wishing him many more years of health.

                          ____________________