[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

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                         HON. KENNY C. HULSHOF

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. HULSHOF. Mr. Speaker, as you know, October 5 through October 11 
is National Fire Prevention Week. Today I want to take time out to 
recognize the firefighters back home in Missouri's Ninth Congressional 
District. While there are many local fire departments who demonstrate 
excellence within the community, one shining example is the Palmyra 
volunteer fire department.
  Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the eighteen members of the 
Palmyra volunteer fire department received an award earlier this year, 
naming it the top fire department in the entire State of Missouri.
  While they fight fires with the best of them, they truly are public 
servants. Nominated because of the community service performed by its 
members, the Palmyra fire department enjoys wide support from the local 
residents.
  Fire Chief Chuck Hoehne, a 30-year veteran of the department, said it 
well, ``Everything we do, the community is behind us. They support us 
100 percent.'' Mr. Speaker, that is easy to believe once you learn more 
about the group.
  When the team is not busy with their jobs, such as bank managers, 
sales clerks, construction workers, and insurance salesmen, they are 
out in Palmyra educating residents about the importance of fire safety. 
They make trips to all the schools with the Stay Alive House, a model 
used to teach people how to escape from a burning building. Students 
also are invited to tour the fire station.
  Due in large part to the education provided by this exceptional team, 
I am pleased to report that fires are on the decrease in Palmyra--
something to celebrate during National Fire Prevention Week.
  Congratulations are in order for the Palmyra fire department, making 
northeastern Missouri a safer place to live.

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