[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNITION OF HARMONY FIRE DEPARTMENT'S 75 YEARS OF SERVICE

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                         HON. ROBERT A. WEYGAND

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 24, 1999

  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the volunteer 
fire department of Harmony, Rhode Island on the occasion of its 75th 
anniversary.
  Founded in 1924, the Harmony Fire Department has provided an 
invaluable service to the citizens of the Harmony area. For three-
quarters of a century, the dedicated volunteers have risked their lives 
for the sake of their neighbors. These men and women, the firefighters 
and emergency medical technicians of the force, donate their own time 
and resources for the community good. When the alarm bell rings, or, 
more appropriate to modern living, when the pager beeps, the volunteers 
leave the comfort of their homes and families, forgetting their own 
problems and concerns, with one singular goal in mind: helping others 
in need. Whether this service comes in the form of fighting fires, 
saving lives or providing comfort to the distressed, the Harmony 
volunteers always give to their fullest extent. In recent years, the 
demands on the department have steadily increased, straining the 
limited resources of the force. Nonetheless, the volunteers have risen 
to the occasion, redoubling their efforts and meeting new challenges.
  Generally the goal of firefighters is to maintain the order and 
stability of the community around them. The Harmony force has taken its 
involvement one step further by providing a special service to the 
area. In preparation for the 75th anniversary celebration, the 28 
volunteers have joined with other community members to compile a 
pictorial history of the Harmony Fire Department. By collecting 
pictures of the organization's past, the citizens of Harmony will be 
able to relive special moments and events in their collective history, 
thus fostering a better sense of community among them.
  I laud the volunteering spirit of the Harmony Fire Department members 
as well as their understanding of community spirit. The bravery and 
steadfastness of the volunteers are greatly appreciated by both the 
residents of Harmony and myself. I congratulate them on 75 years of 
dedicated service and wish them many more years of success.




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