[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 92 (Thursday, June 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING 60 YEARS OF SERVICE FROM THE COLES DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE 
                      DEPARTMENT AND RESCUE SQUAD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the Coles District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. On June 
27, 2009 the department will hold its 60th Annual Installation of 
Officers Banquet, marking its 60th year of service to the residents of 
Prince William County.
  Prince William County has changed drastically since the Coles 
Department was established in 1949 as the Independent Hill Volunteer 
Fire Department. At that time, the early fire notification system 
consisted of a 110 foot fire tower that looked out over Prince William 
County's largely wooded landscape. Just six community volunteers 
handled the department's workload in those early years.
  After years of expansion and the construction of a new fire station 
in 1979, the Coles District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad 
continues to be an invaluable resource for the Prince William 
community. The membership has grown to 45 life, active, junior and 
associate members. These members are business executives, police 
officers, professional firefighters, information technology 
professionals, tradesmen and other civil servants in local and federal 
government. Each year, they dedicate tens of thousands of volunteer 
hours to promoting and protecting the safety of their friends and 
neighbors.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the 
members, past and present, of the Coles District Volunteer Fire 
Department and Rescue Squad. The dedication of these community 
volunteers has ensured that the Coles Department will remain a vibrant 
and robust organization, delivering vital services to residents during 
an emergency.
  And to every member of the Coles District Volunteer Fire Department, 
I say, ``Stay Safe.''

                          ____________________