[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 29, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM CHANDLER, THE LONGEST SERVING MEMBER OF THE CARLISLE 
                              FIRE COMPANY

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                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2003

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, It is with great pleasure that I rise today 
as a member of the Congressional Fire Service Caucus to honor and pay 
tribute to a leader in the firefighting community--Bill Chandler, who 
age 92, holds the record for being the longest serving member of the 
Carlisle Fire Company in Milford, Delaware. Bill Chandler is an 
outstanding, dedicated and caring Delawarean with an abundance of 
accomplishments in this field. On behalf of myself and the citizens of 
the First State, I would like to honor this outstanding individual and 
extend to him our congratulations on almost 70 years in the fire 
department.
  Today, I recognize Bill Chandler for his long and distinguished 
career with the Carlisle Fire Company. Since beginning his career at 
age 24 in 1934, Bill Chandler has provided service in a manner that has 
brought distinction not only to himself but to the entire Fire Company.
  Family, friends and fellow firefighters should take a moment to truly 
appreciate the world of difference Bill Chandler has made in the 
firefighting community. He has served for many years as fire recorder, 
vice president, third assistant chief, second assistant chief, first 
assistant chief and eventually chief of the Carlisle Fire Company. Bill 
Chandler has also served on the by-laws, budget, president advisory, 
archives, bingo, bowling, fireman of the year, crab feast and 
sportsman's expo committees. He is currently serving as a delegate for 
the Delaware Volunteer Fireman's Association.
  Bill Chandler has spent all of his life helping the community of 
Milford and all of Delaware. To this end, he has received many honors; 
the 55 years of service award signed by then President George Bush and 
Senator Bill Roth, Fireman Community Service Award and Company 
Firefighter of the Year Award. Mr. Chandler was responsible for many 
improvements in the firefighting community. He implemented the very 
first rubber boots and hard hats at the Carlisle Fire Company in 1941. 
However, Bill Chandler has also made valuable contributions to the 
business community as a partner in Sockrider and Chandler Jewelry 
Store.
  Mr. Speaker, with his children Bill, Edna and Gloria and his seven 
grandchildren at his side, the Chandler family proudly and unselfishly 
contributes every day to the quality of life at home in their community 
and our entire State.
  Mr. William Chandler's contributions cannot be commended enough. As 
he continues his commitment to the Carlisle Fire Company, we can be 
sure that his contributions to the community will not end. His 
commitment to fighting fires and saving lives has earned him a 
permanent place in Delaware's fire service history.

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