[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 56 (Thursday, May 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E785-E786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    IN HONOR OF THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FAIRFAX VOLUNTEER FIRE 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 7, 1998

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, May 9, 1998, the 
Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating its 70th Anniversary. 
This anniversary marks the culmination of a

[[Page E786]]

long, proud history of providing fire-suppression and emergency medical 
services to the fine citizens of the City of Fairfax, Virginia.
  Early records indicate that there was a volunteer fire brigade in the 
Town of Fairfax around the turn of the century. A group of visionary 
citizens decided that a firefighting system needed to be set up to 
protect their town from the ravages of fire. Their manual firefighting 
efforts were fortified by their purchase of a horse or man pulled 
chemical wagon to increase their firefighting efforts. This chemical 
wagon would allow them to fight fires with ``some'' water pressure.
  On April 7, 1928, the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department was legally 
chartered. At this time, the department became the proud owner of their 
first motorized fire truck, a 1927 Childs. A garage was also built to 
house this fine piece of fire equipment. They were now able to respond 
in a more efficient manner to emergencies when asked by the 
townspeople.
  In the 1960's the Town of Fairfax became the City of Fairfax. 
Fairfax's population had increased along with their need for more fire 
protection and firefighters. Career firefighters were hired to join 
volunteers in answering the call for help, and the City of Fairfax 
built their first fire station to house their fire apparatuses and 
equipment.
  Today, the City of Fairfax has grown to a population of 19,622 and is 
15.9 square kilometers in size. The Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department 
responded to an astounding 8,000 fire and emergency medical calls last 
year. That's an average of 22 calls a day, which equals to almost one 
call per hour.
  The Fairfax Volunteer's strong fleet of fire and rescue apparatuses 
are housed in two fire stations, 3 and 33. Fire Station 3 houses the 
duty Battalion Chief, a pumper, a ladder truck, and an advanced life 
support medical unit. Fire Station 33 houses a rescue engine and an 
advanced life support medical unit.
  Taking an active role in one's community is a responsibility we all 
share, but which few of us fulfill. Yet, the Fairfax Volunteer Fire 
Department firefighters take great pride in providing round the clock 
emergency services to its neighbors. I know the visionary citizens who 
started this organization seventy years ago would be proud to see that 
what started with just a bucket has grown into one of the most 
respected volunteer fire departments in my district, the Eleventh 
Congressional District of Virginia.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in paying tribute to the 
Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department's distinguished volunteer and career 
firefighters who place their own lives on the line for their fellow 
citizens everyday. They are truly deserving of the title ``hero''.

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