[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 24 (Friday, February 28, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO GILES PRIDE

 Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the work of 
Nashville's own Capt. Giles Pride. Giles Pride has been a cornerstone 
to the success and service of the Nashville Fire Department for 52 
years. At age 72, he is hanging up his fireman's hat and flame 
retardant jacket.
  Pride began his career at the young age of 19, when he said he was 
21-years-old in order to meet the eligibility requirements for joining 
the fire department. He was given very little training, worked 12 hours 
a day, and was paid $150 a month. That was in 1944, and at his 
retirement he had served longer than any other full-time firefighter in 
the State of Tennessee.
  Over the years, Pride has seen many advancements in firefighting, 
from the introduction of more innovative equipment to new strategies 
for fighting certain types of fires.
  Mr. President, the work of a fireman is not always pleasant. Giles 
Pride has plenty of memories of comradery and friendship at Nashville's 
Fire Department. But he has also faced the hard reality of putting his 
life on the line every day to save the lives of others. Captain Pride 
has given 52 years of his life to the people of Nashville.
  Too many times we hear of fire taking and destroying the lives of its 
victims. Not often enough do we thank the firefighters, like Captain 
Pride, who bring safety and security to our communities. Today, Mr. 
President, I tip my hat to Capt. Giles Pride for a job well done, and I 
wish him all the best in the years to come.

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