[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 177 (Thursday, November 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE BAPTIST RIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2007

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the 
members of the Baptist Ridge Volunteer Fire Department for their 
selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and 
night.
  The Baptist Ridge Volunteer Fire Department was established in 2000 
in order to serve the city of Hilham. Today, the department has 21 
volunteers on its roster.
  Without volunteer fire halls, like Baptist Ridge, many places in the 
Sixth District would lack effective fire protection. In the state of 
Tennessee, over 70 percent of fire service is provided by volunteers. 
Among these volunteers, almost 75 percent work other daily jobs.
  Ensuring our families' safety is not without risk. Sadly, an average 
of two firefighters die each year in Tennessee in the line of duty. In 
2005, the Tennessee Fire Services and Code Academy dedicated a memorial 
on their main campus in Baptist Ridge to honor those Tennessee 
firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
  For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Baptist 
Ridge Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief David Boles, 
Asst. Chief Joe Boles, Capt. Jackie Hamlet, Lt. Ted Tucker, Anthony 
Boles, Ravy Watson, Dewayne Scott, Johnny Allen, Kevin Taylor, Mark 
Minske, Kenny Estep, Bobby Gene Lee, Kyle Spear, Farrah Spear, Reba 
Allen, Brenda Boles, Robert Abney, Kimberly Tucker, Linda Elam, Mary 
Boles and Wanton Young.

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