[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 158 (Thursday, October 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD FIRE 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 18, 2007

  Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I along with my colleague 
Congressman Costa, would like to recognize the City of Bakersfield Fire 
Department on 130 years of excellent service to the residents of 
Bakersfield, Kern County, and the surrounding area in the Central 
Valley of California. Congressman Costa and I both represent the City 
of Bakersfield and are extremely supportive and proud of the 
Bakersfield Fire Department.
  In 1868, Colonel Thomas Baker moved into the Central Valley and 
settled near the present-day intersection of Truxtun Avenue and R 
Street. Recognized as a good neighbor, Colonel Baker would help people 
fight fires using buckets, a hand-drawn hook and ladder truck, and 
several hand-drawn two wheeled hose carts.
  In 1877, the City of Bakersfield Fire Department was officially 
formed, relying first on hand-drawn and eventually on horse-drawn 
carts. Today, the Bakersfield Fire Department consists of 13 fire 
stations, uses modern equipment and has 13 engine companies. The 
department employs 183 professionally trained and sworn firefighters 
and 25 dedicated civilians. In fact, the Central Fire Station, which 
was constructed in 1939, is still in operation today.
  What started in 1877 as a group of residents who wanted to keep their 
developing town safe from fires is now a professional, disciplined, and 
elite force that serves and protects more than 300,000 people and has a 
primary jurisdiction of more than 83,000 acres. In addition to its 
primary responsibilities in Bakersfield, the Fire Department also 
provides support services to neighboring jurisdictions in the event of 
natural disasters, forest fires, and other emergencies.
  My family and I have a history fighting fires in the area. My father, 
Owen, was an Assistant Chief for the Bakersfield Fire Department. My 
uncle, Tom, was the Chief of the Kern County Fire Department. Like my 
uncle, I also worked for the Kern County Fire Department as a Seasonal 
Firefighter.
  For well over a century, the City of Bakersfield Fire Department has 
been fighting the area's fires, earning these firefighter professionals 
the respect and admiration of a grateful community. It is a singular 
person who races into burning buildings at risk of life and limb to 
save the lives of fellow human beings, and to drive with sirens wailing 
towards disaster areas to provide vital emergency and recovery 
services, when others are evacuating. Congressman Costa and I are 
fortunate that the City that we both represent is protected by our 
brave firefighters. The Bakersfield Fire Department, through the 
service of its current and former employees, has exemplified dedication 
to service in the Bakersfield area for the past 130 years. I am honored 
to recognize the Bakersfield Fire Department's 130th Anniversary.

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