[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 23, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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             TRIBUTE TO ERLANGER, KENTUCKY, FIRE DEPARTMENT

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the 
city of Erlanger, KY, which is the recipient of the 2006 Award for 
Municipal Excellence at the National League of Cities' Congress of 
Cities. This city's Tiered Advanced Life Support System Program for 
Emergency Medical Services earned Erlanger the Gold Award, which is 
presented to cities that have a population below 50,000 people. By 
winning this prestigious award, the Erlanger Fire Department and 
Emergency Medical Services, EMS, team exhibit the power of hard work as 
well as their dedication to their community while serving as an example 
to the rest of the United States.
  Since 1989, the goal of the Awards for Municipal Excellence has been 
to recognize cities that improve the lives of citizens in their 
communities. These awards identify and feature outstanding city and 
town programs that show innovation in enhancing the quality of life in 
America's communities.
  The fire department and city of Erlanger recognize the need to have 
paramedic response and transport capabilities for the safety and 
welfare of the citizens in its community of 17,000 people. After 
debating several options, they found a fire service-based EMS delivery 
model that was affordable and could be enacted immediately. This model 
provides two cross-trained EMS firefighters on a transport rescue unit, 
followed by a cross-trained firefighter paramedic in a staff car who 
can assist and ride in the rescue ambulance with the patient. If the 
patient does not need advanced life support, the paramedic is ready to 
respond immediately to the next emergency call. This model delivers the 
best medical care available and keeps more firefighters on the street 
to deliver the highest quality fire protection. This joint partnership 
has made a positive difference in both fire and EMS delivery services 
in the community of Erlanger.
  I congratulate the city of Erlanger, KY, for receiving this Award for 
Municipal Excellence. By using an innovative approach to address an 
important community need, they have created this outstanding program. 
This cutting-edge approach to community emergency response shines as a 
model for all communities in Kentucky and the United States. This is a 
true example of Kentucky at its finest and a leadership example to the 
entire Commonwealth.

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