[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 186 (Thursday, December 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2522-E2523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE DEFEATED CREEK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2007

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the 
members of the Defeated Creek Volunteer Fire Department for their 
selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and 
night.

[[Page E2523]]

  The Defeated Creek Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1986. 
The department is made up of 12 members and three fire trucks.
  Without volunteer fire halls like Defeated Creek, 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 Bell Buckle to honor those Tennessee 
firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
  For their willingness to serve, the following members of the Defeated 
Creek Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Brandon 
Powell, Hughie Gregory, Donny Martin, Benton Dyer, Rusty Williams, 
Steve Bennett, Jason Powell, Kerby Comstock, Randy Martin, Scott Edens, 
Dustin Dillehay, and Chris Fields.

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