[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 5, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S6183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HOCKESSIN FIRE COMPANY AND LADIES AUXILIARY

 Mr. COONS. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I 
honor the Hockessin Fire Company and ladies auxiliary on 75 years of 
exceptional service to the great State of Delaware. October 15 marks an 
important day in the fire company's history, signifying the first 
official meeting of its founding members. For over seven decades, 
members of the Hockessin Fire Company and ladies auxiliary have given 
unselfishly of their time and services in order to make their community 
a safer place. Today I give thanks for their unyielding determination, 
self-sacrifice and volunteerism.
  In 1936 in the small village of Hockessin, DE, five members of the 
community recognized a vital protective service was missing, and they 
decided to do something about it. Meeting in a small library room on 
October 15, the Hockessin Fire Company was born. With one engine, they 
went to work protecting and serving their community. From the very 
beginning, the ladies auxiliary was integral to their operations. When 
the fire company decided to purchase a second engine in 1938, funds 
raised by the ladies helped purchase a diesel model that was the first 
of its kind in the State. Then and now, both organizations have 
continued that wonderful tradition of partnership, hard work, support 
and service to all.
  Like many volunteer fire companies across the United States the 
Hockessin Fire Company's value is certainly not limited to its local 
community, but should inspire each and every American, reminding us of 
the importance of volunteering and serving others. I commend the hard 
work of all our fire service men and women across the United States, 
and especially those at the Hockessin Fire Company on this special 
anniversary. They are examples of the generous spirit of the American 
people, who we should be fighting for every day.
  I congratulate the Hockessin Fire Company and ladies auxiliary on 75 
years of extraordinary service and support to their community and the 
State of Delaware. On behalf of all Delawareans, I extend my thanks to 
each and every member for the many sacrifices they have made during the 
past 75 years. Their continued efforts and countless contributions are 
greatly appreciated.

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