[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 110 (Wednesday, July 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1574]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SAG HARBOR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES 200TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2003

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the Sag Harbor Fire Department. On March 26, 2003, the Sag Harbor Fire 
Department of Sag Harbor, New York, marked a momentous occasion that 
very few fire departments in our country have achieved. Since 1803 the 
volunteer firefighters of Sag Harbor have been answering their 
neighbors' calls for help. This year they are celebrating their 200th 
anniversary. Located on the South Fork of Eastern Long Island, The Sag 
Harbor Fire Department is one of the oldest volunteer fire departments 
in the nation, the second oldest in the state of New York, and the 
oldest in Suffolk County. It was chartered on March 26, 1803 and today, 
200 years later, it has 165 volunteer members who cover the county with 
support and protect 5,000 winter residents and 15,000 summer residents 
in an area of 27 square miles.
  These dedicated volunteers operate out of four different stations and 
comprise five companies: Gazelle Hose Company No. 1, Montauk Hose 
Company No. 2, Otter Hose Company No. 3, Murray Hose Company No. 4, and 
the Phoenix Hook & Ladder Company No. 1. The Department also has three 
special squads: Heavy Rescue, Fire Police and the Dive Water Team.
  During the year-long 200th anniversary commemoration, the Department 
has received proclamations from the Village of Sag Harbor, the New York 
State Legislature, the New York Department of State and the Fire 
Association of New York State. I would like to add my heartfelt 
congratulations and best wishes to this outstanding fire department not 
only for its longevity but also for the dedication of its members. 
Volunteer firefighters are selfless men and women who risk their lives 
to protect and provide fire, emergency medical and rescue services to 
others in their community without financial compensation. Sag Harbor's 
volunteer firefighters proudly carry on the 200-year-old tradition 
started by their forefathers--answering the alarm, serving their 
neighbors and protecting the citizens of Suffolk County.
  The Department will officially celebrate this milestone with a week-
long series of events beginning on August 19th that includes a gala 
parade, fireworks, raffles and the selling of many different souvenirs 
including a commemorative coin created especially for the occasion.
  I invite my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join 
me in honoring the Sag Harbor Fire Department on its 200th anniversary. 
These men and women represent the best of the volunteer spirit that has 
built our great Nation.

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