[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 186 (Thursday, December 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2523-E2524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE SHORT MOUNTAIN 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 Short Mountain Volunteer Fire Department for their 
selfless dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and 
night.
  The Short Mountain Volunteer Fire Department was established with the 
donation of land and community support. There are 14 active members and 
eight honorary members.

[[Page E2524]]

 The department most recently purchased a 750-gallon pump.
  Without volunteer fire halls like Short Mountain, 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 Short 
Mountain Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Michael 
Underhill, Asst. Chief Albert Summers, Secretary, Equipment Manager 
Carol Zellman, Brad Odom, Cory Reed, Jordan McGee, Tony Neal, Jonathan 
Scurlock, Cyndi Hill, Jamie Campbell, Chip Avera, David Smith, Anthony 
Prater, Leeroy Jones, Honorary Members: Larie Zellman, Billy 
Youngblood, Connie Cantrell, Cindy Underhill, Tracy Neal, and Sue 
Youngblood.

                          ____________________