[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 60 (Thursday, April 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E966]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STAFFORD CONNECTICUT FIRE DEPARTMENT NO. 1

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                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2009

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th 
Anniversary of the Stafford, Connecticut Fire Department No. 1. For 75 
years the men and women of this department have dedicated themselves to 
protecting the people and the community in which they serve.
  While the department was not formally incorporated until November 11, 
1936, it began its work in Stafford on May 10, 1934 in the B. Schwanda 
and Sons button factory. The eight founding members later began meeting 
in an unused garage and dance hall that later became incorporated into 
station 145. While membership grew over the next ten years, a shortage 
of able bodied men during World War II forced the department to allow 
members of the Junior Fire Department over the age of 14 to join the 
full department.
  In June 1949, a committee was formed to begin work on plans for a new 
firehouse located on Colburn Road. Just a few years later, this new 
department was built to house the members, vehicles and equipment. That 
structure is still used to this day as the home base for the ET-145, 
ET-245, Rescue 145, Forestry 145, Service 145 and Marine 145. In 1953, 
the department won first prize in a statewide contest conducted by the 
Hartford County Mutual Fire Insurance Company as the volunteer 
department with the most improved facility with the best fire 
prevention program available.
  In March of 1956, under the leadership of then chief Benjamin Muzio, 
the Auxiliary of the Stafford Fire Department No. 1 was organized to 
assist the department with fundraising efforts to acquire necessary 
equipment and supplies. Through the years, the Auxiliary has raised 
funds through a variety of events including the annual chicken BBQ that 
draws people from communities far and wide every year.
  The men and women of this department have put their lives on the line 
for the past 75 years and they deserve our thanks and praise. On behalf 
of the people of Connecticut's Second Congressional district, I want to 
thank you for your service.

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