[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 186 (Thursday, December 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE HIGHLAND 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 Highland Volunteer Fire Department for their selfless 
dedication and bravery in protecting our families, day and night.
  The Highland Volunteer Fire Department was established in 2000 and 
covers 64 square miles around the city limits of Portland. The 
department responds to fire and storm-related calls, vehicle accidents, 
fuel spills and medical First Responder calls. Currently, the fire 
department has 17 volunteers on its roster.
  Without volunteer fire halls, like Highland, 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 Highland 
Volunteer Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief and First 
Responder Kenny Crowson, Asst. Chief George Knuckols, Capt. Richard 
Lanius, Lt. and First Responder Jessica Knuckols, Lt. Bobby Wilson, 
Josh Covington, Tav Matthews, Arthur Benjamin, Samantha Roberson, Lindi 
Costner, William Keen and Auxillary Firefighter Russ Caudill. 
Firefighter and First Responder David Roberson; Firefighters and EMTs 
Jim Youngblood and Brent Dyer; Firefighters and Paramedics Scott Meece 
and Tony Greene.