[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 143 (Sunday, October 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE EAST ROCHESTER VOLUNTEER 
              FIRE DEPARTMENT IN EAST ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, October 10, 1998

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay special tribute to 
the East Rochester Volunteer Fire Department in East Rochester, New 
York. The fire department celebrated its 100th year of service on May 
23, 1998.
  The East Rochester Volunteer Fire Department was organized in 1898, 
after a serious barn fire in the village of Despatch brought attention 
to the need for a fire brigade. A meeting was held at Despatch Hall and 
the Despatch Fire District was formed, consisting mostly of local 
businessmen.
  Shortly after a second fire, the village of Despatch voted to 
allocate funds to cover the purchase of land, equipment, and the 
construction of a public hall, that was later turned over to the fire 
department. Later the village of Despatch was renamed the village of 
East Rochester.
  With a proud history 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, and 
utilize new methods in fire prevention and control. 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 
East Rochester's high caliber protects families and businesses in my 
district. I send my sincere and heartfelt thanks to the East Rochester 
Volunteer Fire Department for all its contributions throughout the past 
century.
  Today, I ask that my colleagues pause with me to honor the legacy of 
one of America's greatest volunteer organizations: the East Rochester 
Volunteer Fire Department of East Rochester, New York.

                          ____________________