[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 7 (Thursday, January 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E38]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE GARRETTFORD DREXEL HILL FIRE COMPANY FOR 100 YEARS OF 
                                SERVICE

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                            HON. JOE SESTAK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 17, 2008

  Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Garrettford 
Drexel Hill Fire Company for 100 years of service to the residents of 
Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.
  The Garrettford Drexel Hill Fire Company is the oldest of Upper 
Darby's five fire companies, and is the only one that remains entirely 
comprised of volunteers. What began with a handful of citizens 
committed to protecting the people of Drexel Hill has grown into a 
company with over 60 active members. These men and women selflessly 
protect the community while balancing their full-time careers and 
families. Through the years, their names and faces have changed, but 
the commitment and pride with which they serve has persevered.
  I would like to recognize in particular James Verner, who served as 
chief of the company from 1913 until his tragic death in 1934. His was 
the first and only line of duty death to strike the Garrettford Drexel 
Hill Fire Company.
  The Garrettford Fire Company, as it was originally known, started 
with just two Babcock extinguishers. From these humble beginnings, 
Garrettford Drexel Hill has expanded to an impressive, modernized 
apparatus fleet. The current firehouse, built at the site of the 
converted Baptist church, which originally housed the company, now has 
four bays and a spacious hall to accommodate this growth.
  I ask everyone to join me in commending the members of the 
Garrettford Drexel Hill Fire Company, past and present, for their 
service to the community, and to congratulate them on reaching this 
100-year milestone.




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