[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 54 (Friday, May 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF NARROWSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 2, 2002

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate a very special 
volunteer organization on their 100th anniversary: the Narrowsburg 
Volunteer Fire Department in our 20th Congressional District of New 
York
  Over the last century, the Narrowsburg Volunteer Fire Department has 
been a cornerstone of our community, committed to ensuring the safety 
of Narrowsburg's citizens. The immeasurable and indispensable public 
service that these volunteers render is a tribute to the dedication and 
commitment of all those who place their lives of the line to protect 
the public.
  Our nation has been built on an active and alert citizenry, working 
together for the public good. That was exactly the first step taken on 
March 4, 1902, when thirty nine concerned citizens of the hamlet of 
Narrowsburg signed a petition supporting a proposal to form and 
organize a Hook and Ladder Company to protect ``Narrowsburg and 
vicinity''. From the group's first firehouse, built in 1904, to now, 
the Fire Department has stood as a symbol of strength, unity, and 
determination. It has demonstrated how a community volunteer group can 
grow into an efficient and effective organization.
  While their milestones have been numerous and great over the 
department's one hundred years, one longstanding, underlying and vital 
resource of the Narrowsburg Volunteer Fire Department is the 
overwhelming support of the community. From fund-raisers to town bbq's, 
parades, and other events, the department has been interwoven in the 
fabric of the community. When an organization becomes such an integral 
part of our town or village, it makes the loss of life, a cold reality 
in fire departments across the nation, an even more bitter pill to 
swallow. Such was the case in 1979, when the Narrowsburg lost its 
Assistant Chief Paul Brock and members Brett Hankins and Jay Laraia. It 
was a tragic loss to the department and the town. But the strength of 
volunteerism is the infusion of new and enthusiastic members who are 
willing to serve, and although they can never take the place of those 
who have been lost or have come before them, their resolve can help 
heal these wounds. Today, Narrowsburg Volunteer Fire Department is 
stronger than ever. There's no reason to believe that it will continue 
to grow and be vital for another century and beyond.
  During the tragedy of September 11, the heroism of the fighters was 
on full display, as they risked their own lives with stunning bravery. 
Our fire departments are finally receiving the accolades they have long 
deserved. To those who have truly known the selflessness of volunteer 
fire departments and the fire personnel in their towns, such as the one 
we are blessed with in Narrowsburg, this bravery was not much of a 
surprise. Instead, it is a reflection of the brave men and women who 
have served and continue to serve our communities nationwide, over the 
last century, and beyond.
  As a Member of our Congressional Fire Caucus, I am committed to 
ensuring that our nation's firefighters have the support and resources 
needed to protect themselves and our communities. Accordingly, I am 
gratified that Congress has stood with our nation's fire personnel in 
approving the FIRE Grant program and providing it with an unprecedented 
amount of funding. On this anniversary, I know that our Narrowsburg 
firefighters are grateful for the support they have received and join 
with me in expressing their gratitude to our nation.
  As the citizens of Narrowsburg join together to celebrate and honor 
their volunteer fire department, we take a moment to remember those who 
we've lost in the line of duty and express our thanks to all those who 
serve our nation today.
  Congratulations to the Narrowsburg Volunteer Fire Department on its' 
100th anniversary. A grateful nation thanks you.

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