[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 112 (Friday, August 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   REGARDING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BRANDY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                            HON. ERIC CANTOR

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2001

  Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary 
of the Brandy Station Volunteer Fire Department, which has faithfully 
protected and served its community since 1951.
  Throughout its five decades, this organization has served as a true 
testament to the spirit of volunteerism that makes America such a 
uniquely compassionate country. After receiving its charter in 
February, 1951, the department started off by obtaining a single fire 
truck through the generosity of the neighboring town of Culpeper. Over 
the course of the next two years, numerous dinners, dances, and bake 
sales held in order to raise enough money to finance the building of 
its first fire station in 1953. Although it does receive a small 
portion of its budget from Culpeper County, the department still 
operates primarily on the donations of its members and the Brandy 
Station community. In the year 2000 alone, the volunteers were able to 
answer seven hundred and twenty-three calls, which included everything 
from auto accidents and house fires to plane crashes and hazardous 
chemical spills. Even while answering this extremely high number of 
calls, they were still able to keep their response time to an 
incredible low average of 4\1/2\ minutes. This is truly an exemplary 
group of individuals because of their outstanding commitment to the 
protection of Brandy Station and its citizens.
  Mr. Speaker and members of the House, my words here do not do justice 
to the service of the men and women of the Brandy Station Volunteer 
Fire Department, but I ask that you join me in honoring their 50th 
Anniversary and wish them fifty more years of success.

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