[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 168 (Wednesday, November 19, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OBERLIN FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 18, 2003

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, this year, the Oberlin, Ohio, Fire 
Department celebrates its 150th anniversary. Established in 1853, today 
the department boasts a staff of 30, state-of-the-art equipment, safety 
and educational programming, and professional recognition. The 
community has celebrated the sesquicentennial with a parade, summertime 
events, a traditional firefighter competition featuring an old-
fashioned bucket brigade, hose race, and water ball contest, displays 
and an open house, and culminating in a special dinner this fall.
  The mission of the Oberlin Fire Department is ``To proudly protect 
lives and property by providing prompt, skillful, cost-effective 
protection and life safety services.'' It is routinely recognized for 
successfully meeting this mission with the prestigious yearly Life 
Safety Achievement Award. It serves the 10,000 people of Oberlin and 
New Russia Township in northeast Ohio with emergency responses, college 
fire safety courses, school and community educational services, and 
fire prevention efforts.
  For a century and a half, ordinary men and women have conducted 
themselves with extraordinary bravery as they skillfully guarded the 
safety of their fellow citizens in Oberlin. I am proud and humbled to 
represent these fine people, and join with the community in a 
resounding ``thank you!''

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