[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 113 (Thursday, July 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JEFFERSON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT IN SOUTHERN 
                                ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 2008

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the 60th anniversary 
of the Jefferson Fire Protection District in southern Illinois.
  From a humble beginning, with a 5\1/2\ square mile district and a 
tanker that was a converted Army truck from World War II, to today's 
department with modern equipment covering 220 square miles, the 
Jefferson Fire Protection District has been keeping residents of 
Jefferson County, Illinois, safe for 60 years,
  It is because of dedicated citizens, willing to put themselves into 
harm's way to help another in need, that our Nation is the great place 
that it is. Every time the department has responded to a house fire, an 
auto accident, a medical crisis or any of the myriad of other 
emergencies that they have been called upon to face, these brave public 
servants have reminded us of what it means to be a hero.
  I want to congratulate the members of the Jefferson Fire Protection 
District, past and present, on reaching this milestone. I also want to 
thank them for the vital public service they render to local residents.

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