[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 144 (Monday, October 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2093]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   NORTH QUEENSBURY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC. CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 12, 1998

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, when one walks into my Congressional office 
in Washington he or she immediately notices a prominent fixture in the 
reception area--the collection of fire helmets representing the many 
volunteer fire companies in my district that stand ready at all times 
to protect the lives and property of their communities' residents.
  Volunteer fire companies epitomize the overwhelming sense of 
community that exists in the small towns and villages of the Hudson 
Valley of New York. The sense of pride, spirit of volunteerism and 
undeniable camaraderie among neighbors is one of the things I so relish 
about my time spent at home in the 22nd Congressional District. This 
spirit is no more evident than in North Queensbury, New York and its 
beloved volunteer fire company.
  This year the North Queensbury Volunteer Fire Company is celebrating 
its 50th year of all-volunteer service to the North Queensbury 
community. As part of the continuing 50th anniversary celebration, on 
October 17 the fire company will be dedicating its new firehouse.
  Mr. Speaker, as a former fire volunteer myself, it is a great honor 
for me to invite my fellow colleagues to join me in commemorating this 
joyous event, and in doing so recognize the outstanding contributions 
the North Queensbury fire volunteers give to their neighbors.
  In a rural area like the 22nd District of New York, fire protection 
is often solely in the hands of volunteer companies. I cannot say 
enough about the many lives and millions of dollars of property that 
have been saved due to the efforts of the North Queensbury volunteers. 
But the value of such a vital public service can hardly be identified 
in terms of dollars and cents. The willingness of these volunteers to 
selflessly place themselves in harm's way to ensure the preservation of 
their neighbors' lives and property is worthy of the highest praise.
  Mr. Speaker, I have always been one to judge people by the 
contributions they make to their community. To that end, the men and 
women who comprise the North Queensbury Volunteer Fire Company are 
truly great Americans! I am truly proud of this organization and its 
spirit of volunteerism that is such a central part of the American way 
of life. Therefore, it is with great pride, Mr. Speaker, that I ask all 
members to join me in paying tribute to them on their 50th anniversary.

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