[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1767]]
 HONORING THE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT OF PROSPECT AS THEY CELEBRATE 
                         THEIR 60TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2005

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to extend my sincere congratulations to Chief Robert Chatfield and all 
of the members of the Volunteer Fire Department of Prospect, past and 
present, as they celebrate their 60th Anniversary. This is a milestone 
for this wonderful organization and I am proud to have this opportunity 
to honor their outstanding work on behalf of the Prospect community.
  The men and women who serve as firefighters face risks that few of us 
can comprehend. Each day, they must be ready to perform under intense 
pressure--literally in life or death situations as we have all 
witnessed in recent days. Few things are more important than feeling 
safe in our homes and workplaces. Our firefighters provide us with that 
peace of mind. Their commitment and dedication cannot be questioned and 
our thanks can never repay those who put their lives on the line to 
ensure our safety.
  Since its incorporation in September of 1945, the Volunteer Fire 
Department of Prospect has grown from a small building with just two 
bays to a multi-million dollar state-of-the-art facility which houses 
10 bays. The Department serves a community of over 9,000, responding to 
an estimated 270 fire calls and nearly 600 medical calls annually. 
Though it is fully dependent on volunteers, there is never a shortage 
of responders to a call. Though much has changed in the six decades 
since its inception, the one thing that has not is the reliability and 
consistency of those who volunteer to serve.
  I have always held a deep admiration for those who serve as 
firefighters--each day facing new challenges and seemingly overwhelming 
responsibility. It takes an exceptional combination of bravery, 
compassion, and generosity to serve as a volunteer firefighter. In its 
60 years of history, nearly 800 individuals have served in the 
Department. Every member of the Prospect Volunteer Department has 
demonstrated a unique commitment and dedication to public service 
throughout their careers. From the training they must receive to the 
responsibility of responding to emergencies to the generous fundraising 
efforts for the Department, they have willingly devoted themselves to 
their community.
  Too often we take for granted the courageous work of our country's 
firefighters. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of 
those Prospect residents who have volunteered their time and efforts to 
the Department. I am proud to recognize and commend the commitment the 
Volunteer Fire Department of Prospect has made to protect Prospect for 
60 years. To reach such an anniversary is a testament to the generosity 
and civic mindedness of the resident volunteers and the Town of 
Prospect. My sincere congratulations to you on this very special 
occasion!

                          ____________________