[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 46 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO VANDERGRIFT FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KLINK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 1997

  Mr. KLINK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the George G. 
McMurtry Vandergrift No. 1 Volunteer Fire Department of Westmoreland 
County. The fire department was founded on November 29, 1897 and is 
celebrating its centennial with several festivities throughout the 
year. I would like to take this opportunity to join the citizens of 
Vandergrift in congratulating the volunteers, both past and present, 
for 100 years of outstanding public service to their community.
  The Vandergrift Fire Department is made up of dedicated individuals 
who risk and sacrifice their personal safety every day as volunteers in 
their community. They have careers independent of their volunteer 
service. They have families and daily responsibilities. However, when 
the emergency call sounds, the members of the Vandergrift Fire 
Department put their own lives on hold to provide safety and emergency 
services to the citizens of Vandergrift. They have proven that by 
joining together they provide an invaluable service to the entire 
community.
  On behalf of my colleagues in the House of Representatives, I would 
like to wish the George G. McMurtry Vandergrift No. 1 Volunteer Fire 
Department another 100 years of successful public service. They have 
protected the lives of their families, their property, and the spirit 
of their community with dignity. Their service represents a local 
heroism which has guided a community for a century--with honor, 
courage, and self-sacrifice.

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