[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOUTHAMPTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 19, 2006

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to rise in honor 
of a proud and long-serving institution of my district--on the occasion 
of the 125th anniversary of Southampton Fire Department's creation last 
Saturday, September 9th. I was honored to participate in this 
celebration, which included a parade of fire trucks and culminated with 
the anniversary gala at the Hampton Road Firehouse.
  I am privileged to represent the Village of Southampton, New York. A 
common thread runs through the town's rich history--an all volunteer 
force that has served and responded bravely since the first 
firefighters in Southampton consisted of bucket brigades whose fire 
alarms were sounded by the village blacksmith banging on his rim.
  The first company that constitutes today's fire department was the 
Agawam Engine Company. Founded in 1881, it was widely known for the 
415-pound bell used to alert the firefighters and the handpumping hose 
cart they used to extinguished fires. Like many Long Island families 
who can proudly claim that generations served as the department, one of 
my ancestors, James H. Bishop, was a founding member of Agawam Company, 
and my great grandfather, Benjamin Bishop, later served as its chief 
between 1893 and 1897.
  Since that time, more dangerous fires started by complex fuels and as 
a result of eastern Long Island's booming population have intensified 
the demands on the 143 current members of the Agawam Engine, Agawam 
Hose, Southampton Hook and Ladder, Southampton Fire Patrol, and 
Southampton Hose Companies. Still, they remain an all-volunteer and 
highly skilled force whose frequent feats of heroism and selfless 
dedication remind us of the firefighters who gave their lives at the 
World Trade Center as we observed the solemn occasion of the fifth 
anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in thanking those 
firefighters who continue to protect our families and communities, and 
extend our deepest gratitude to volunteers, like those intrepid men and 
women of the Southampton Fire Department, who risk their lives each day 
to keep us safe.

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