[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1585]]
   QUEENSBURY CENTRAL VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF 
                           COMMUNITY SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, anyone who visits my office can't help but 
notice the display of fire helmets that dominates my reception area. 
The main reason for this is the fact that I learned firsthand the true 
value of fire companies. One fire company in particular, the Queensbury 
Central Fire Co. is especially close to my heart. While serving as 
Queensbury town supervisor, and a New York State Legislator, I had the 
privilege of being an active member of the Queensbury Central Volunteer 
Fire Co. It was this experience that gave me a tremendous respect for 
those who provide fire protection in our rural areas.
  In a rural area like the 22nd District of New York, fire protection 
is often solely in the hands of these volunteer companies. In New York 
State, as elsewhere, they save countless lives and billions of dollars 
worth of property. That is why the efforts of people like those fire 
fighters in the Queensbury Central Volunteer Fire Co. is so very 
critical.
  Mr. Speaker, I have always been partial to the charm and character of 
small towns and small town people. The town of Queensbury in Warren 
County is certainly no exception. The traits which make me most fond of 
such communities is the undeniable camaraderie which exists among 
neighbors, and their strong civic pride. Looking out for one another 
and the needs of the community make places like Queensbury great places 
to live. This concept of community service and pride is exemplified by 
the devoted service of the members of their volunteer fire department. 
For 50 years now, this organization has provided critical services for 
their neighbors on a volunteer basis.
  Mr. Speaker, it has become all to seldom that you see fellow citizens 
put themselves in harms way for the sake of another. For the members of 
the Queensbury Central Volunteer Fire Company, however, this is a day 
to day occurrence. Our young people would do themselves right by 
emulating the selfless service of these noble individuals. On Saturday, 
September 13, 1997 the fire company will be holding a ceremony to 
commemorate this milestone. This will provide the ideal opportunity for 
the residents in and around Queensbury to extend their gratitude to 
this organization and its members, both past and present.
  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 the 
Queensbury Central Volunteer Fire Co. are great Americans. I am truly 
proud of this organization because it typifies the spirit of 
voluntarism which has been such a central part of American life. To 
that end, it is with a sense of pride, Mr. Speaker, that I ask all 
members of the House to join me in paying tribute to the Queensbury 
Central Volunteer Fire Co. on the occasion of their 50th anniversary.

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