[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2010]]
        WOLCOTT FIRE COMPANY NO. 3 CELEBRATES GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES H. MALONEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, October 28, 2000

  Mr. MALONEY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, over the past fifty years 
there have been many significant events in the Town of Wolcott, a 
community in my Connecticut congressional district, but this October 
27th will be a date that will be especially noted for what it means in 
the lives of so many past and present residents of the Town. On that 
day, Friday, October 27, 2000, Wolcott Volunteer Fire Department 
Company No. 3 celebrates its golden anniversary--50 years of dedicated 
service to the Town of Wolcott and surrounding communities.
  Fifty years ago, the Town fire department foresaw Wolcott's potential 
for growth that has ultimately been realized. Despite very limited 
resources, dedicated volunteers moved ahead to create a third fire 
company within the department. Indeed, resources could not have been 
more limited, with the only equipment available being an old ambulance 
converted to an emergency truck, and $1.38 in the treasury, much of 
that raised from a penny collection. The members of the Company 
however, were extremely dedicated to their task. A year later the 
company acquired its first real fire truck, a well used 1919 American 
LaFrance, purchased from the neighboring city of Waterbury for $300.00. 
The fire station was a converted local garage.
  As the years passed, and as the community grew, so did the role of 
Company No. 3. The members continued to pull together, some literally 
mortgaging their homes to raise funds for their efforts. A new station 
was built by members of the Company and other townspeople, with much of 
the labor and materials being donated. Other emergency vehicles were 
added to the company. Training and equipment maintenance took not only 
a lot of time, but also a lot of money. Fundraisers of every kind were 
held to help offset the costs of the equipment. After just ten years, 
the Company purchased its first new truck for $16,700, obtained through 
local fundraising efforts as well as a mortgage on the fire house.
  In the ensuing years, other trucks and emergency vehicles were 
purchased, additions to the station were made, and the company endured 
numerous challenges that only served to make it a stronger and more 
cohesive organization. The outcome is an organization whose character 
is steeped in dedication, loyalty and commitment to serve the Wolcott 
community.
  The members of the Company, past and present, have made sacrifices 
above and beyond the call of duty that have set an example for all 
firefighters to follow.
  Mr. Speaker, Wolcott Volunteer Fire Department Company No. 3 deserves 
wide recognition, and I ask my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to join with me in congratulating all past and present 
members of Company No. 3, and thanking them for a job well done!

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