[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 138 (Monday, October 15, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S10689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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     THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEAFORD, DELAWARE FIRE DEPARTMENT

 Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, on November 10th, 1901, several 
leading citizens of Seaford, DE met in the Town Council room to discuss 
the organization of a fire company. They understood what we are so very 
mindful of today, that local firefighters are a key part of our first 
and best defense against disaster.
  By the end of November 1901, there were more than 50 members of the 
new Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, and W.H. Miller had been elected 
to serve as its first president. The first chief, T.H. Scott, was 
elected in early December, and soon after led the company on its first 
fire response on December 18th, 1901, at a building that was both a 
store and a home on Seaford's High Street.
  The Seaford firefighters used hand-drawn hose reels and ladder 
trailers until 1921, when the first fire engine was purchased. It is 
worth taking note that Government money helped buy that first engine, a 
reminder that a public investment in the fire service is necessary and 
appropriate. This partnership is all the more important 80 years later, 
when we ask our firefighters to respond to such a range of threats and 
dangers.
  Today, the Seaford Volunteer Fire Company fleet includes four Pierce 
fire engines, an aerial truck, two ambulances, a rescue truck, a brush 
truck, a utility truck and a van, as well as ``Old Number 4,'' a 1948 
Seagraves used for fire prevention programs. Four paid ambulance 
attendants now serve the community, with more than 50 volunteer 
firefighters still ready to answer the call when their neighbors need 
them, and 50 more volunteers working in support of the Department.
  As we honor the heroes of September 11th, including so many members 
of New York's Bravest, we stand in prayerful wonder and immeasurable 
gratitude for what firefighters sacrifice and risk on our behalf. They 
are, truly, the best of neighbors and the best of citizens.
  The Seaford Volunteer Fire Department has been a part of that great 
tradition for 100 years, and on behalf of the people of my state, and 
on behalf of the United States Senate, I am proud to extend 
congratulations to Chief Steve Mayer, President Rich Toulson and all 
the men and women who have kept the Department and the community strong 
into a second century of service. Again, we are very proud, and we are 
deeply grateful.

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