[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 45 (Wednesday, April 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO THE COLORADO EMS FOUNDATION

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                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 1998

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 350th 
anniversary of the American fire service, a history steeped in 
tradition about individuals risking their own lives to save the lives 
of others. As Chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I 
applaud the work of individuals and organizations, both past and 
present, who have preserved our communities and protected them against 
the threat of fire and other dangers.
  Protecting communities against fire exacts a toll on fire 
departments, whether they are paid or volunteer. We, as private 
citizens, should feel a sense of duty to help our first responders be 
properly trained and equipped to perform their work. For 350 years, 
they have responded to our calls without failure. As fire protection 
becomes a more expensive undertaking, the need for additional community 
support becomes more imperative.
  This goes beyond public financing. The private sector can play a 
major role in augmenting local government efforts. Recently, I learned 
of an organization in the state of Colorado that awards grants and 
other types of aid to improve the readiness of first responders. Since 
its inception in 1996, the Colorado EMS Foundation has awarded hundreds 
of thousands of dollars to Colorado-based fire departments and EMS 
providers, allowing them to purchase state of the art equipment that 
will help save lives and reduce property damages caused by fires.
  The Colorado EMS Foundation is primarily funded by one family, the 
Dixons. They are private citizens committed to a safer Colorado. The 
Executive Director of the Foundation, Robert W. Dixon, is a paramedic 
and former volunteer firefighter. His experiences exposed the Dixon 
family to the problems many fire departments face regarding inadequate 
equipment, instilling in them a desire to help our domestic defenders. 
When I hear of stories about private sector initiatives supporting 
first responders, I want them to be heard by others.
  I commend the Dixon family for their efforts in Colorado. I hope that 
others across the country hear of their work and follow their lead. The 
American fire and EMS services need more people like the Dixons, 
individuals who realize the challenges facing emergency responders and 
who are willing to take it upon themselves to make a difference and 
come to their aid.

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