[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 52 (Tuesday, May 2, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E600]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH HOJNICKI, MEMBER OF THE CENTURY OF THE MINQUADALE 
                              FIRE COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 2000

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I, as a 
member of the Congressional Fire Service Caucus, honor and pay tribute 
to a leader in the firefighting community--Joseph Hojnicki of the 
Minquadale Fire Company. Joseph Hojnicki is an outstanding, dedicated 
and caring Delawarean with an abundance of accomplishments in this 
field. On behalf of myself and the citizens of the First State, I would 
like to honor this outstanding individual and extend to him our 
congratulations on being chosen Minquadale Fire Company's Member of the 
Century.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the volunteer fire service in Delaware. It 
has been my privilege to have had the opportunity on many occasions to 
speak about this institution on the floor of the House of 
Representatives. These unselfish men and women provide their 
communities with essential volunteer public service. The volunteer fire 
service is as old as our nation. Benjamin Frankin was our first 
volunteer fire chief. It is tradition in the volunteer fire service for 
these men and women to not seek praise for what they do as volunteer 
firefighters. However, it is my privilege to praise Joseph Hojnicki, a 
man who has devoted the better part of his life to the volunteer fire 
service.
  Today, I recognize Joseph Hojnicki of the Minquadale Delaware Fire 
Company. On Saturday, April 29, during the Seventy-fifth Annual Banquet 
of the Minquadale Fire Company, Joseph Hojnicki was named Member of the 
Century. He has provided more than 50 years of service to his community 
and the State of Delaware. He has done so in a manner that brings great 
distinction to the Minquadale community.
  Family, friends and fellow firefighters can now take a moment to 
truly appreciate the world of difference Joseph Hojnicki has brought to 
the firefighting community. He has served for many years as Fire Chief 
and then President of the Minquadale Fire Company. He later earned a 
statewide reputation in Delaware for his service as President of the 
New Castle County Volunteer Firemen's Association and the Delaware 
Volunteer Firemen's Association. Today, while past the age of seventy, 
Joseph Hojnicki continues to respond to fire service calls to protect 
his community.
  Joseph Hojnicki believes in young people. His firm yet friendly 
manner has influenced and encouraged young men and women to become 
involved in the fire service. For many it was an alternative to the 
street and possibly getting into trouble. Joseph Hojnicki's leadership 
and guiding hand helped create many fine firefighters and officers 
while he taught civic responsibility to two generations of Minquadale's 
youth. Mr. Speaker, with his wife Irene at his side, the Hojnicki 
family proudly and unselfishly contributes everyday to the quality of 
life at home in their community and our entire state.
  As Minquadale celebrates their Diamond Anniversary, I join with them 
as they honor and pay tribute to a man whom they have called their 
``greatest member.'' His selfless commitment to the cause of volunteer 
firefighters will have a permanent place in Delaware's volunteer fire 
service history. I am proud to call Joseph Hojnicki my friend.

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