[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 118 (Thursday, September 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1619-E1620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO STEVEN P. AUSTIN AND EILEEN DOYLE FOR THEIR SERVICE TO THE 
                          CITIZENS OF DELAWARE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2000

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, during my service as a Member of the House 
of Representatives, it has been my honor and privilege to rise and pay 
tribute to organizations and people who really make a difference in the 
Delaware community. Today, I rise to recognize Steve Austin, president 
of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association (DVFA) and Eileen 
Doyle, president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the DVFA.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my fellow Delawareans I would like to honor 
these two outstanding individuals, not only for their tireless efforts 
on behalf of the citizens of the First State, but for their tremendous 
contributions to the DVFA and the Ladies Auxiliary of the DVFA.
  Volunteer fire departments are the cornerstone of our Nation's 
emergency response capability. Each year, fire kills over 6,000 people, 
injures about 28,000 more, and destroys more than $7 billion in 
property. Volunteer firefighters are among the most dedicated public 
servants. They are willing to put the safety and property of their 
neighbors ahead of their own on a daily basis. All too often, these 
brave men and women do not receive the recognition they deserve. 
Without the services of institutions, such as the DVFA and the Ladies 
Auxiliary, the number of fatalities would be even greater and the 
threat of fire and destruction to our communities could be even more 
devastating. In addition to battling fires, Delaware volunteer 
firefighters are involved in fire protection and safety as well as 
providing first aid and emergency resources in the event of major 
disasters. This type of dedication is rare.
  Steve Austin is a life member of the Aetna Hose and Ladder Company in 
Newark, DE. As a fire service advisor of the Congressional Fire 
Services Institute, Steve has worked tirelessly in these very halls on 
legislative issues that would improve training and emergency medical 
services for volunteer fire organizations throughout our country. 
Through his leadership, fire and emergency medical services have 
remained a vital and integral part of our community. For all of these 
national and local accomplishments, I was not at all surprised that the 
Congressional Fire Service Institute chose him as the Fire Service 
Person of the Year in 1996.
  Eileen Doyle has also played a critical role in keeping our 
communities safe. Whether it is as a member of the Brandywine Fire 
Company working on innovative and creative fundraising ventures or 
providing much needed assistance and comfort to those individuals 
devastated by the effects of Hurricane Floyd, Eileen Doyle's dedication 
to the fire service and our community shines as a bright beacon every 
day. The Ladies Auxiliary has a long and rich history and their 
dedication to the community is to be commended. I salute Steve Austin 
and Eileen Doyle for their efforts to keep the Volunteer Fire 
Association and Ladies Auxiliary a strong and vital part of Delaware.
  This week, the DVFA and the Ladies Auxiliary of the DVFA will gather 
at their 2000 Annual Conference to celebrate the anniversaries of 
safety and first aid to the people of Delaware. As a former Governor, I 
know first hand the important role that these dedicated and vital 
organizations play in recruiting and retaining young men and women in 
the public service arena. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this 
privilege to extend my warmest wishes for a successful conference. I 
salute and thank

[[Page E1620]]

them for their unwavering commitment to excellence and the example they 
set for all of us. Their efforts are deeply appreciated.

                          ____________________