[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING FRESNO CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2002

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fresno City 
Fire Department for their devotion to protecting the citizens and 
community of Fresno. The year 2002 marks the 125th Anniversary of the 
Fresno City Fire Department, which will be celebrated at the 4th Annual 
Fresno City Firefighters' Chili Cook-Off on September 14th, 2002 at 
California State University of Fresno.
  In 1877, Leopold Gundlefinger and other citizens formed a Hook and 
Ladder Company in order to protect the city from fires. Unfortunately, 
in 1882, fire destroyed the original Hook and Ladder Company, but was 
replaced by dedicated volunteers who were named ``Fresno Alert No. 1.'' 
The Fresno Fire Department was officially created in 1902 and has 
protected a large portion of the Central Valley ever since. In 1984, a 
grant was established to create a community volunteer fire prevention 
program called ``Burn Aware.'' The goals of the volunteers were to 
implement and create a wide spread network of fire prevention programs.
  In 2002, the Fresno City Fire Department received national praise for 
its inventive and advanced approach to alternate methods of providing 
municipal fire protection. This fire protection agency has the highest 
ideals in providing fire protection service and is a leader in 
California. The special occasion will include a chili-tasting contest 
among fire departments from throughout the Valley, live rescue 
demonstrations, and fun for the entire family.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to honor the Fresno City Fire Department for 
their dedicated and selfless service to the Central Valley. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in wishing this organization many more years of 
continued success.

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