[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 CARTHAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                            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 Carthage Fire Department for their selfless dedication 
and bravery in protecting our families, day and night.
  The Carthage Fire Department was established in 1901. Today, the 
department has 22 volunteers on its roster. The Carthage Fire 
Department works not only in the suppression and prevention of fires, 
but also specializes in public education.
  Without volunteer fire halls, like Carthage, 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 Carthage 
Fire Department deserve recognition: Chief Joe Hiett, Asst. Chief Joe 
B. Oldham, Capt. Randy Dennis, Capt. Nicky Stallings, Randy Carter, 
Tracy Fields, L.C. Grisham, Alicia Fields, Edward Lankford, Jacky 
Carver, Sr., Kerry Dugan, John Hiett, Phillip Upchurch, Matt Watts, 
Glenn Pettross, David Dillehay, Billy Dennis, Chris Dennis, Derrick 
Brooks, David Brown, Sottie Grisham and Jeff Crockett. Also listed on 
the training roster is Chief Edward Stallings, Gone But Not Forgotten.

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