[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 115 (Thursday, September 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         QUEENSBURY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 4, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, as I have mentioned many times on the floor 
of Congress before, I hold a special respect and admiration for 
volunteer fire companies and firefighters. Naturally, I reserve even 
deeper admiration for the unit I served with myself for many years, my 
hometown fire department, Queensbury Central Volunteer Fire Company. It 
just so happens that this very special fire company is celebrating its 
50th anniversary this year.
  Mr. Speaker, the whole community and town government will turn out 
for the celebration, which is quite understandable. That's because for 
50 years, like her counterparts everywhere in rural and suburban 
America, Queensbury Central has provided outstanding fire protection 
for her neighbors in a growing community.
  And I'd like to tell you about the traits which make me so fond of 
volunteer fire departments and the communities they serve. No. 1 is the 
undeniable camaraderie which exits among neighbors. That camaraderie 
makes up much of the charm of small town life but also generates a 
desire to look out for one another and the needs of the community. 
That's what makes places like Queensbury such places, great places, to 
live and raise a family. This concept of community service is 
exemplified by the devoted service of the Queensbury Fire Company. For 
50 years now, this organization has provided critical services for the 
citizens on a volunteer basis.
  And in many rural areas, these volunteer fire companies offer the 
only available fire protection. But there is nothing wanting in the 
professionalism and training of these companies. Every year they save 
countless lives and millions of dollars in property across New York 
State. These volunteer firemen and the devoted ladies auxiliaries that 
provide much-needed support make incredible sacrifices in time and 
effort. Often, they must drop whatever they're doing and respond to a 
fire alarm. You never know how many lives, not to mention homes and 
property, may be at stake. Mr. Speaker, in many ways these volunteer 
fire companies are the last remnants of America's pioneer spirit when 
neighbor helped neighbor in times of need or trouble.
  Which brings me to the other primary reason I have such fondness for 
fire departments like the one in Queensbury, the spirit of voluntarism 
they exemplify. You know, voluntarism, pride, and patriotism are the 
three principles which make this country great. And there is just 
something so staunchly American about being a volunteer fire company. 
Giving of oneself with no expectation of gain or profit. That's what 
it's all about.
  Mr. Speaker, I have always judged people based on what they give back 
to their communities. By that measure, all the members of the 
Queensbury Volunteer Fire Company and the auxiliary are truly great 
Americans. On the weekend of September 13 and 14, their 50th 
anniversary will be commemorated with an open house, parade, and 
firefighter's competition. But Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all 
members join me today in paying our own tribute to Chief Richard Jones 
and the other members of Queensbury Central Volunteer Fire Company, 
which for 50 years has served my hometown in the finest American 
tradition of helping one's fellowman.

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