[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 143 (Tuesday, October 6, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S10159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SOUTHGATE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate the 
Southgate Volunteer Fire Department for celebrating its centennial this 
October. Over the past century, the Southgate Volunteer Fire Department 
has been comprised of numerous men and women who have dedicated their 
lives to serving their community.
  The record of excellence at Southgate Volunteer Fire Department has 
made all the difference in reaching this glorious milestone in its 
history. This year the department won its fourth State Fire Olympics; 
the State Fire Olympics hosts five different events that test the 
skills of firefighters and explorer teams. The extensive 3,000 hours 
spent per year on training has no doubt aided in the achievements made 
by the department. The Southgate Volunteer Fire Department became one 
of the first in Campbell County to develop life squads, and it has also 
been recognized as one of the first in Kentucky to carry semiautomatic 
external defibrillators.
  The strength and dedication of the department was tested at the 
Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire in May of 1977, surely the most 
difficult day in its 100-year history. The Southgate Volunteer Fire 
Department was at the forefront of that firefighting effort and was 
aided by another 500 firefighters from throughout Kentucky, Indiana, 
and Ohio. There were 3,800 people rescued from the fire that night, all 
because of the valor and dedication shown by these heroes.
  The department's current chief, John Beatsch, manages 75 members of 
the Southgate Volunteer Fire Department, and in 2004 and 2005 the 
Southgate Volunteer Fire Department boasted the induction of two 
previous chiefs into the Firefighters Hall of Fame. Early in 2000, with 
aid from the State, the department received a new administration 
office, sleeping quarters, new dress and work uniforms, and two new 
semiautomatic external defibrillators.
  The foundation of excellence that began 100 years ago still stands as 
the volunteers of this brave department have dedicated their lives to 
protecting their community. I am confident that tradition will continue 
on for the next 100 years as the Southgate Volunteer Fire Department 
continues to keep the people of Kentucky safe. I know all of my 
colleagues join me in congratulating the men and women of the Southgate 
Volunteer Fire Department for their service and their heroism.

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