[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 142 (Saturday, October 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION FOR THE PITTSFORD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT 
                            IN PITTSFORD, NY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 1998

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay special tribute to 
the legacy of the Pittsford Volunteer Fire Department in Pittsford, NY. 
The fire department will celebrate its 100th year of service on 
November 29, 1998.
  The Pittsford Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1898, after 
a series of tragic fires. The Village responded by installing a water 
works and passing a resolution authorizing the formation of a volunteer 
fire brigade to respond to fires and other emergencies. The fire 
department, which was established with approximately 50 men, started as 
two independent hose companies, known as the ``Pittsford Village Active 
Hose Co. No. 1'' and ``Iroquois Hose Co. No. 2.''
  Until the first fire hall was built in 1907 on a lot purchased by the 
Village, the volunteers stored their equipment in a number of village 
locations including the Methodist Church. Prior to the fire hall, all 
Department business was conducted in the Cole Building, on the 
southwest corner of Main Street and Monroe Avenue at the four corners 
in the Village.
  With a proud tradition of voluntarism, the Fire Department has 
thrived and grown over the years. Using donations and moneys received 
from the Village, the Fire Department has been able to update its 
equipment, utilize new methods in fire prevention and control, and most 
recently establish a new fire hall in 1987. However, the cornerstone of 
the Department's success has been the dependability and generosity of 
its volunteers.
  I take great pride in knowing that a volunteer fire department of 
Pittsford's high caliber protects families and businesses in my home 
district. I send my sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Pittsford 
Volunteer Fire Department for all its contributions throughout the past 
century.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues pause to join with me and many 
others in congratulating the Pittsford Volunteer Fire Department of 
Pittsford, NY on 100 years of service to humanity.

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