[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    NORTH HOOSICK FIRE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, as in many primarily rural areas, 
volunteers provide most of the fire protection in the 22nd 
Congressional District of New York.
  One of those, in fact one of the best volunteer fire companies, is 
celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. On May 1, 1947, a group of 
citizens gathered at the old North Hoosick Schoolhouse on the corner of 
routes 22 and 67 to form the department. For the next 50 years the 
North Hoosick Fire Department has provided the communities of North 
Hoosick, East Hoosick, and Walloomsac with outstanding fire protection. 
These volunteer companies, Mr. Speaker, save billions of dollars of 
property and countless lives every year in New York State alone. 
Volunteers are increasingly well-trained and professional. But more 
than that, the spirit of volunteerism that they exhibit is America at 
its best. Neighbor helping neighbor at the local level. That's what 
volunteer fire companies are all about.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that all 435 congressional districts in this 
great country are blessed with their own volunteer firefighters who do 
equally fine work. Please join me in saluting the North Hoosick Fire 
Department, so ably led by Chief Alan J. Bornt, and all the other 
members, and wish them another 50 years of dedicated service to the 
community.

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