[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 1, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E974-E975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT #1, INC. ON 200TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 1, 2004

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Bedford 
Fire Department #1, Inc. on its 200th Anniversary and to extend my 
sincere gratitude for the selfless actions of so many firefighters over 
the years. The citizens of Bedford, Pennsylvania are undoubtedly 
grateful for all that they have done.
  The history of firefighting in Pennsylvania can be traced back to the 
early 1700's. Ben Franklin, a Philadelphia resident at the time, 
developed a fine-tuned system of volunteer firefighters that could 
handily combat the threat of fire within the city limits. When 
referring to how this cooperative technique worked, Franklin said,

       Soon after [a fire] is seen and cried out, the place is 
     crowded by active men of different ages, professions and 
     titles who, as of one mind and rank, apply themselves with 
     all vigilance and resolution, according to their abilities, 
     to the hard work of conquering the increasing fire.

  The Bedford Fire Department is one of the oldest fire departments in 
the United States, founded in 1804. For 200 years this entirely 
volunteer department, which now consists of 82 members, has 
successfully collaborated to provide safety and protection for over 
11,000 people within an area of 210 square miles.
  These volunteer firefighters deserve the highest honors for 
constantly putting themselves in harm's way to protect and save fellow 
citizens. Their unselfish valor and relentless dedication to their 
community make them special, and certainly worthy of praise.
  The two stations built within the rural area provide the necessary 
resources for the firefighters to perform to the best of their ability 
and handle any variety of situations. The volunteers spend countless 
hours planning and implementing fundraising events to maintain adequate 
facilities, provide each firefighter with the proper equipment, and 
ensure the continued success of the department.
  I am tremendously appreciative of the vital duties that the Bedford 
Fire Department performs and for the time it spends contributing to the 
safety of the Bedford community. Congratulations on reaching the 200 
year milestone! I am proud to have the distinguished honor to represent 
such a reputable group of volunteers.

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