[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING WYNDMOOR HOSE CO. NO. 1'S CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 18, 2007

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
the Wyndmoor Hose Company No.1 in Springfield Township, PA on 
celebrating its 100th Anniversary. Since 1907, volunteer firefighters 
have contributed their time, expertise, and in some cases, lives, to 
aid members of the Springfield community and surrounding areas. I am 
honored to represent them in Congress.
  In Philadelphia 271 years ago, Benjamin Franklin started the first 
fire department in America. Franklin's brigade, comprised entirely of 
volunteers, was dedicated to looking out for their neighbors. Today 
volunteers constitute 73 percent of all firefighters nationwide, and 
Franklin's proud tradition of volunteerism is being continued by the 
brave men and women of Wyndmoor Hose Company just a few miles from 
where it began.
  This fire company began as an in-house fire brigade for the Nelson 
Valve Company. Over the years it evolved from tin hats and push carts 
to a Company of highly trained and motivated individuals who have used 
their training in basic life support, firefighting, rescue, and 
hazardous materials containment to serve the public good everywhere 
from their own streets to Ground Zero in New York City after the 
attacks of September 11, 2001.
  In the densely populated region of Southeastern, P A, the Wyndmoor 
Hose Company protects residential areas, commercial businesses, 
professional offices, and industrial plants, including the United 
States Department of Agricultural research facility, and most 
importantly the lives of the residents of Pennsylvania's 13th District. 
As part of these efforts, Wyndmoor has also established an excellent 
reputation for conducting educational programming to teach children and 
families the importance of fire safety.
  Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate all of the volunteers of the 
Wyndmoor Hose Company for their service, dedication, and sacrifice. I 
look forward to continuing our work together and ensuring another 100 
years of success, safety and security.

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