[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    A TRIBUTE TO THE MEDFORD, LONG ISLAND FIRE AND RESCUE VOLUNTEERS

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                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 6, 1998

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the brave volunteers 
of the Medford Fire Department for their valiant efforts to contain and 
extinguish a huge blaze at the Gershow Recycling plant in eastern Long 
Island, New York on July 23, 1998. I also commend the Medford Ambulance 
Corps volunteer members who worked tirelessly at the scene of the fire 
treating firefighters for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion even as 
black smoke billowed around them.
  A towering inferno erupted at the car recycling plant in Medford on 
that Thursday at around 3:45 p.m., emitting intense heat and flames 
until well into the next afternoon. The fire consumed tons of metal, 
petroleum and rubber tires from scrap automobiles measuring 
approximately two acres wide and 60 feet high. The Medford fire and 
rescue volunteers were first to arrive at the scene of the blaze and 
quickly unleashed torrents of water to prevent the fire from spreading 
to nearby homes and businesses.
  The Medford volunteers were able to contain the inferno to the 
recycling plant site while awaiting mutual aid from 73 fire departments 
and emergency companies who responded to an Islandwide call for 
assistance. Thanks to the unrelenting efforts of the Medford 
firefighters, no one was seriously injured and no buildings or homes 
surrounding the recycling plant were damaged. Yet, the Medford 
Ambulance Corps, along with several other local emergency medical 
services, performed admirably in treating 36 firefighters for heat 
exhaustion, minor cuts and burns.
  The quick response of the Medford fire and rescue volunteers ensured 
the containment of the blaze and kept the fire from resulting in 
tragedy. These volunteers work round the clock at perfecting their 
firefighting and emergency preparedness skills, and stand ready to help 
their neighbors at a moment's notice. They deserve our praise and 
heartfelt thanks for another job well done.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives 
to join me in honoring the brave volunteers of the Medford Fire 
Department and Ambulance Corps and to recognize their commitment and 
dedication to protecting the lives of my eastern Long Island 
constituents. We are truly blessed to count on these volunteers in our 
time of need.

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