[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       ON THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEW GLARUS FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2002

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations 
to the New Glarus Volunteer Fire Department of Wisconsin, which is 
celebrating 100 years of excellence. This outstanding achievement is 
marked by the New Glarus Volunteer Fire Department's commitment to 
providing safe, efficient, and effective emergency services.
  New Glarus Volunteer Fire Department's standards of excellence were 
first instituted in 1902 with the formation of Company No. 1. From the 
incorporation of the village in 1845 until 1902, fires were fought by 
means of a bucket brigade. Company No. 1 replaced the old fashioned 
bucket brigade with the latest technology, circa 1902, a hose cart and 
hand-drawn ladder rig. Staffed by 24 dedicated firefighters, the 
equipment was housed in the New Glarus Town Hall, in which the first 
arriving firefighter rang a bell, alerting the remainder of the company 
to call.
  Today, the New Glarus Volunteer Fire Department is fully modernized, 
serving a 71-square-mile fire protection district that covers the 
village of New Glarus as well as the towns of York, Perry and Primrose 
in the rolling hills of Green and Dane Counties. In 1981, the current 
fire station was erected just west of the village hall, and has the 
capacity to hold up to ten pieces of apparatus. In addition to 
responding to fires, the totally volunteer department of 36 members, 
now reacts to motor vehicle, hazardous materials incidents and assists 
the New Glarus EMS.
  Although the bell has been replaced by a modern siren system, the 
call to tirelessly safeguard the lives and property of area citizens 
remains the same for the New Glarus Volunteer Firefighters. These 
courageous volunteers join the prestigious though often under-
appreciated ranks of the ``everyday hero.'' Now, more than every, our 
nation is comforted by the knowledge that such citizens are prepared to 
protect our communities. So, when the siren sounds, those citizens 
served by the New Glarus Volunteer Fire Department are assured that 
they will receive the best possible assistance.
  I wholeheartedly congratulate the New Glarus Fire Department for 100 
years of protecting their community and recognize their continuing 
commitment to excellence.

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