[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 77 (Friday, June 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1035-E1036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING FRANKENMUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 3, 2004

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of the 
residents of Frankenmuth, Michigan, to recognize their fire department 
for 100 years of skilled and dedicated service. On Friday, June 4, 
2004, the Frankenmuth community will gather to celebrate this milestone 
during a special open house and ceremony to be held at the Frankenmuth 
fire station.

[[Page E1036]]

  The Frankenmuth Fire Department was organized in 1904. Martin Eischer 
was named the fire chief, and he held the post until his retirement in 
1937. The department at the time of establishment had an appointed 
staff of 19 men, a $750 steam powered and horse drawn fire engine, and 
a $535 hose and hose cart. Although the department was fully equipped 
and staffed, it did not acquire a home until 1905 when the Village Hall 
was constructed. The hall would serve as the home of the fire chief and 
fire engine. To ensure a reasonable water supply, the village council 
provided fire cisterns throughout the village. In 1918, they purchased 
a Waterous Motor Propelled fire engine, which would be considered as 
the forerunner of the modern fire engine. The department retained the 
original horse-drawn engine, and relocated it to a garage across the 
river. The department assigned a crew of men to the garage to provide 
fire protection during floods, when normal access across the river was 
blocked.
  In 1937, the department appointed a new chief, Herman ``Whitey'' 
Eischer; son of retired Chief Martin Eischer. He held the post until 
resigning in 1947, and Waldemar Veitengruber was appointed. During 
Chief Herman Eischer's tenure, which was during the onset of World War 
II, 22 volunteers were added to the roster, the department purchased a 
1942 Ford engine, and a Civil Defense team was organized. In the late 
1940s, the department received its first gas mask, and in 1979 the 
Frankenmuth Women's Club donated money to purchase the ``Jaws of 
Life.'' In 1976 George Reinert was appointed fire chief, after the 
sudden death of Chief Veitengruber. He served 10 years and was 
succeeded by Gene Rittmueller. Chief Rittmueller resigned in 1997 and 
was replaced by the current chief, David Wright.
  Aside from work and training, the department is also a community 
group. They have sponsored several community and station events, 
including the annual community picnic, fireman's ball, Christmas party, 
and in the last few years they have sponsored the fire muster. This 
year over 200 participants are expected. Currently, the department 
roster for 2004 lists 30 volunteers, including the chief, two 
assistants and three captains. The department with its skilled crew has 
handled each emergency over the years with great attention to detail 
and duty. In the wake of September 11th, the American public has come 
to better understand and acknowledge the heroic commitment and 
responsibility that is charged to our nation's fire departments. We are 
all indebted to you for protecting our community each day.
  Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 
108th Congress to please join me paying tribute to the Frankenmuth Fire 
Department for 100 years of service to the community.

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