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




           HONORING THE COTTONTOWN 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 Cottontown Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless 
dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night.
  The Cottontown Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1999. The 
department covers approximately 90 square miles and protects 1,100 
households. In 2006, the department responded to 151 calls.
  Without volunteer fire halls, like Cottontown, 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 
Cottontown Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Joe 
McLaughlin, Asst. Chief Mike Owens, Lt. Patrick McLaughlin, Lt. Bill 
Kelly, Glenn Schirg, Shannon Baker, Tommy Casteel, Lydia Casteel, Chris 
Casteel, President Laura Owens, Treasurer Marilyn McLaughlin.

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