[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 70 (Monday, May 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E868]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE S.W. JOHNSON SFE CO. NO. 1

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 21, 2001

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 125th 
anniversary of the founding of Samuel W. Johnson Steam Fire Engine 
Company No. 1, Inc. in Garnerville, New York.
  On June 6, 1876 a meeting was held in Garnerville for the purpose of 
forming the town's first fire department. Twenty eight members were 
sworn in as charter members and the first resolution to be unanimously 
adopted was that the company be known as the ``Samuel W. Johnson Steam 
Fire Engine Co. No. 1.''
  In those early years, the centerpiece of the Company's firefighting 
equipment was the American LaFrance Button Steam Fire Engine, 
originally purchased in 1869 by the Garner Print Works. The Steamer was 
pulled by a team of horses stabled at the Garner Print Works and it is 
alleged that those horses would respond to the Steamer Stall when fire 
alarms were sounded.
  Over the years, the brave, dedicated men of the S.W. Johnson SFE Co. 
No. 1 have selflessly answered the call when disaster struck the town 
and its citizens. Most notable were their heroic efforts in responding 
to the major landslide which devastated part of the town in January 
1906 and the high-profile rescue of three Garnerville citizens during 
separate incidents in 1983 and 1985, both resulting in commendation of 
the firefighters involved.
  As the Fire Company membership declined in the 1990s, a committee was 
formed to investigate the possibility of initiating a ``Junior Fire 
Fighter'' program. These members, between the ages of 16 and 18, have 
contributed to the success of this innovative program and are 
instrumental as exterior firefighters to the S.W. Johnson SFE Co. No. 
1.
  The S.W. Johnson Fire Company enters the 21st century with its newest 
firefighting equipment, a 2000 gpm pumper. It is a far cry from the 
original Steamer that pumped approximately 150 gpm. On September 8, 
2001, at 1:00 pm, time will be turned back as once again three Belgian 
Draft Horses will pull the 1869 Button Steamer through the streets of 
Garnerville, during the 125th Anniversary Parade of S.W. Johnson. This 
will be a special treat for the residents and will be a tribute to this 
outstanding example of volunteerism in America.
  Accordingly, I am pleased to salute the anniversary of the founding 
of the Samuel W. Johnson Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 1, Inc. of 
Garnerville, New York.

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