[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 70 (Friday, May 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1054-E1055]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CHARLTON, NY, FIRE DEPARTMENT NO. 1 CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I have always been partial to the charm and 
character of small towns and small town people. That's why I travel 
home to my congressional district every weekend, to see the picturesque 
towns and scenery that marks the 22d District of New York. The town of 
Charlton is certainly no different.
  The traits which make me most fond of such communities is the 
undeniable camaraderie which exists among neighbors. Looking out for

[[Page E1055]]

one another and the needs of the community make such places great 
places to live and raise a family. This concept of community service is 
exemplified by the devoted service of the Charlton Volunteer Fire 
Department 1. For 75 years now, this organization has provided critical 
services for the citizens on a volunteer basis. As a former volunteer 
fireman myself, I understand and appreciate, the commitment required to 
perform such vital public duties.
  It has become all too seldom that you see fellow citizens put 
themselves in harms way for the sake of another. While almost all 
things have changed over the years, thankfully, for the residents of 
Charlton, the members of their volunteer fire department continue to 
selflessly perform their duty without remiss. I can't say enough about 
the countless lives and millions of dollars in property they have saved 
by doing so over the course of their 75-year history.
  That's why I am so glad to have this opportunity to pay tribute to 
them today. And for that matter, the residents of their community will 
have the opportunity to show their appreciation at their Founder's Day 
Parade marking this momentous occasion on Sunday, June 1, 1997.
  Mr. Speaker, I have always been one to judge people by how much they 
give back to their community. On that scale, the members of this fire 
company, both past and present, are truly great Americans. I am proud 
of this organization because it typifies the spirit of voluntarism 
which has been such a central part of American life. We would all do 
well to emulate the service of the men and women who comprise Fire 
Department No. 1 in Charlton. To that end, it is with a sense of pride, 
Mr. Speaker, that I ask all Members to join me in paying tribute to 
them on the occasion of their 75th anniversary.

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