[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EXETER AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION

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                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and offer 
congratulations to the Exeter Ambulance Association, located in Exeter 
Township, Pennsylvania, for celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year. 
Association members will be acknowledging this great milestone on May 
31, 2008 at an event to be held at Association headquarters.
  The Exeter Ambulance Association was formed 40 years ago to provide 
outstanding emergency ambulance service for Exeter Township and St. 
Lawrence, Pennsylvania. The group was formed as a non-profit 
organization and started as an all-volunteer service. Over the years, 
it has grown and expanded its services and now provides Advanced Life 
Support (ALS), Basic Life Support (BLS), and other emergency and non-
emergency ambulance services. In addition, the Exeter Ambulance 
Association operates a community training center and, in 2007, trained 
over 2500 people in CPR and put 30 Automatic Defibrillators (AEDs) into 
service in the community. Today, the Association employs over 50 
medical transportation professionals, operates four ambulances, two 
wheelchair-vans, and responds to over 4,000 calls for help each year.
  Its mission is ``to provide quality pre-hospital emergency medical 
care in both emergency and non-emergency settings, and perform all 
services related to emergency medical service and emergency 
management.'' As anyone who has received assistance from the Exeter 
Ambulance Association will tell you, it has performed its mission in an 
exemplary fashion and consistently surpasses its own standards.
  At the 40th year celebration on May 31, the Association will be 
joined by representatives of the Exeter Police K-9 unit, Drive 25-Stay 
Alive program, Reiffton and Stonersville Fire Departments, The PennStar 
Helicopter and flight team, Berks County Humane Society, American Red 
Cross and Aquabilities of Birdsboro, PA. In addition, St Joseph's 
Hospital will provide blood pressure checks, cholesterol screening, and 
bone density screening and the Reading Phillies mascot ``Screwball'' 
will make an appearance. It will be a fitting celebration to recognize 
all of the members' great work.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in praising the 
courageous work, dedication and service of the men and women that make 
up the Exeter Ambulance Association. The employees and volunteers 
continue to protect their community with steadfast determination, and 
ensure that when one is in trouble, they will be there to help.




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