[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN MEMORY OF EDWARD J. VOLANTE, LONGTIME CLIFTON HEIGHTS FIRE CHIEF, 
  CAREER FIREFIGHTER WITH A LEGACY OF PUBLIC SERVICE, COMPASSION AND 
                                COURAGE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2004

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great 
sadness and tremendous gratitude to honor the life of my good friend, 
Edward J. Volante, a longtime Clifton Heights Fire Chief and career 
firefighter. As his family, friends and neighbors mourn the passing of 
Ed Volante, I want to take a few moments today to remember his work and 
the difference he made in the community he served so bravely and 
selflessly.
  Chief Volante was a lifelong resident of Clifton Heights, 
Pennsylvania, where he served as fire chief for 26 years and a 
firefighter for 50 years. He embodied the most noble virtues of public 
service. The Chief served in almost every position in the fire company 
since joining the Clifton Heights Hose & Hook in 1954. Chief Volante 
will be remembered for his loyal dedication to improving his 
community's ability to respond to emergencies and ensure the safety of 
all residents.
  Firefighting is a matter of life and death, and individuals like 
Chief Volante assume an enormous responsibility when they accept the 
job of running a fire department. They are responsible for the lives, 
homes, and livelihoods of thousands of citizens throughout their 
community. And on a day-to-day basis they become directly responsible 
for the health and welfare of all the men and women they supervise. 
Chief Volante discharged these enormous responsibilities with real 
distinction. During his 26 year tenure as chief, a good department 
became even better. Chief Volante took great pride in the fact that his 
fire company was the proving grounds for other companies. Chief Volante 
was respected for his commitment to public safety and his ability to 
get things done.
  Recognizing how difficult it is these days to recruit volunteers, he 
had a sign posted outside the fire company, ``Volunteers needed, apply 
here.'' He often said, ``you can never have too many volunteers.'' The 
citizens of Clifton Heights should take comfort that their fire company 
will continue to evoke Chief Volante's spirit and legacy through their 
continued efforts to better their community. When the alarm sounds at 
all hours of the day and night it will serve as a call for more 
volunteers to the noble calling of the fire service.
  Mr. Speaker, the 7th Congressional District has lost an exceptional 
public servant, and I have lost a good friend. I wish Chief Volante's 
wife of 44 years, Carol Ann and family, my heartfelt condolences and 
may they find comfort in knowing that the many people he impacted 
deeply value his dedication and generosity and the example of his life 
and work. Chief Edward J. Volante exemplified the spirit of service 
that has made this country great. This man was a genuine community 
leader. He not only did his job well, he loved it, and the community he 
served. We are safer because of his life and sacrifice. I am personally 
grateful to have known Chief Volante as a friend, and mourn his 
passing.

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