[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 11, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING RALPH W. WRIGHT OF WEST POINT, KY, FOR 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO 
                              FIREFIGHTING

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, on Saturday, February 8, 1997, the community 
of West Point, KY held its annual Volunteer Fire Department and EMS 
Appreciation Banquet. Each year, this banquet honors and celebrates 
those in the community who have been instrumental in supporting the 
mission of the volunteer fire department and EMS services. This year, 
the community honored one man, Ralph W. Wright, who has given 50 years 
of his life to the safety of the citizens of West Point.
  Mr. Wright has been a member of the fire department for the last 50 
years. He began as a firefighter and worked his way up through the 
ranks to chief, a position he held for 27 years. After a long and 
distinguished career in the fire department, Mr. Wright did not let 
retirement prevent him from fighting fires. In fact, in his retirement, 
Mr. Wright continues to serve as a firefighter--who still makes the 
first truck out of the station. In addition, to his service as a 
firefighter, he was a volunteer EMT on the ambulance service for 
several years.
  Because of his tireless efforts on behalf of the citizens of West 
Point, today's volunteer fire department is what it is today: dedicated 
to the safety of all its citizens; prepared to battle fires and 
hazardous material spills; responding to protect the community from 
floods and other natural disasters.
  In addition to his work on behalf of the safety of the citizens of 
West Point, Mr. Wright has been a strong and active supporter of the 
Crusade for Children. The citizens of West Point have been well served 
by Ralph Wright. He is an outstanding citizen and a shining example to 
all. I know that the community of West Point holds Ralph Wright in the 
highest of esteem. This is an honor that is long overdue and I am 
delighted to share this event with my colleagues. I extend my heartfelt 
congratulations to Ralph Wright and to his family on this special 
occasion.

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