[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1018-E1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS OF THE GREENPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR 50 YEARS OF 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 1999

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this hallowed chamber to pay 
tribute to three members of the Star Hose Co. #3 of the Greenport Fire 
Department and to join the volunteer firefighters, emergency medical 
personnel and grateful people of this Long Island community as they 
celebrate these brave men for their 50 years of volunteer service.
  I would like to tell my colleagues about Greenport, a special place 
where neighbors look out for neighbors and every resident possesses a 
special pride in their hometown. In a service that exemplifies selfless 
heroism, the men and women of the Greenport Fire Department perform 
above and beyond the call of duty each and every day. Compensated only 
by the satisfaction that their efforts save lives and protect property, 
these volunteers have answered every alarm for over 50 years. I am 
proud and honored to count these brave firefighters among my friends 
and neighbors.
  Moreover, I am proud to join with the Greenport Fire Department in 
honoring these members for their faithful service. These men have 
answered the siren's call whenever a fire or other peril threatened a 
member of the Greenport community. Henry Clarke, Jr. has served for 58 
years as 2nd Lt., 1st Lt. and Captain from April 1952 to March 1952. 
Nelson Beebe has served for 52 years as 2nd Lt., 1st Lt. and Captain 
from April 1978 to March 1980. Jake Sherwood has served for 50 years as 
2nd Lt., 1st Lt. and Captain from April 1958 to March 1960. Time and 
again these brave men joined their comrades as they hastened to the 
scene, placing themselves in harm's way to aid another human being in 
danger, regardless of whether it be a friend, neighbor or stranger.
  Demonstrating that true heroes are created over a lifetime of 
selfless acts and service to their God, family and country, these brave 
men of the Greenport Fire Department are perfect role models for every 
volunteer firefighter who will come after them. They truly reflect the 
outstanding work of the Greenport Fire Department and its commitment to 
training and service that keep their neighbors, friends and even their 
own children safe and secure. That is why, Mr. Speaker, I ask my 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in saluting the 
courageous, devoted volunteers of the Greenport Fire Department.

[[Page E1019]]

May God keep them safe as they have worked to keep safe the Greenport 
community.

                          ____________________