[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HAROLD JORDAN: AMERICAN HERO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 1998

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I have always been partial to the charm and 
character of small towns and small town people. That is why I travel 
home to my congressional district nearly every weekend, to spend time 
in the picturesque towns with the remarkable people of the 22nd 
district of New York.
  Harold Jordan, of Greenwich, New York, epitomizes what I love most 
about my constituents: the undeniable selflessness and camaraderie 
which exists among neighbors who always look out for one another and 
the needs of the community. Harold has been a member of the Greenwich 
Volunteer Fire Department for forty-seven years, and still maintains 
active status, having responded personally to 90% of the calls in 1997. 
He has constantly put himself in harm's way for his fellow citizens, 
saving countless lives and dollars in property damage over his long and 
storied term of service. Harold has spent the majority of his life 
protecting his community in this way, and as a former volunteer fireman 
myself, I understand and appreciate the commitment required to perform 
such vital public duties.
  Just as important as the lives and property which Harold has helped 
save is the example he's set for others around him, especially for 
young people. In our fast-paced modern society, the joy and 
responsibility of volunteering too often fall by the wayside in the 
quest for wealth and status. I am proud to say that people like Harold 
Jordan prove that in the 22nd district of New York, the spirit of 
voluntarism which made America great is still alive and well!
  Mr. Speaker, I have always been one to judge individuals in large 
part by the amount of time and care they give back to their community. 
By that measure, Harold Jordan is truly a great American. We should all 
strive to emulate the service of this small-town hero, taking time out 
of each of our days to further the health and well-being of our 
communities. With that in mind, Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to join 
me in paying tribute to Harold Jordan in honor of his extraordinary 
forty-seven years of service as a volunteer fireman.

                          ____________________