[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 63 (Monday, May 7, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S2919]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE CITIZENS' HOSE COMPANY NO. 1

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President on behalf of Senator Chris Coons, 
Congressman John Carney, and myself, I wish to offer my congratulations 
to fire chief Isaac Willis, president S. Christopher Hudson, and the 
entire Citizens' Hose Company No. 1 as they celebrate the Company's 
125th anniversary of service to the town of Smyrna in Delaware. The 
success of the Citizens' Hose Company is a tribute to the many 
dedicated men and women who not only have served in this company but 
have served this community in a number of ways.
  In 1885, the town of Smyrna installed water mains and fire hydrants 
throughout the town in preparation of the founding of the Citizens' 
Hose Company. Since that time the members of this company have 
protected the property and residents throughout this historic 
community. The company has reached many milestones throughout the last 
125 years--initially fighting fires with a man-drawn hose tender and 
ladder cart to now answering fire calls using a 100-foot KME Kovatch 
ladder truck which, in 1999, was the first ladder truck the company 
purchased new. Additional milestones included the formation of the 
Ladies Auxiliary in 1950, as well as the expansion of the station in 
1985 to accommodate office space and future growth. With over 440 
members today, the Citizens' Hose Company No. 1 maintains the highest 
level of excellence. Over the last several years, the Citizens' Hose 
Company has answered an average of 475 calls per year and are on pace 
to keep that record in 2012.
  The Citizens' Hose Company serves as a great neighbor to all in the 
Smyrna area. The company participates in numerous community activities 
throughout the year and has a renowned company band. Since 1947, the 
Citizens' Hose Company Band has provided music for the marching unit of 
the company during parades and other community gatherings. An annual 
participant in the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter's Association Parade, 
the Citizens' Hose Company has won the prestigious Governor's Cup Award 
a record 31 times. The company band has had the honor of playing music 
throughout Delaware as well as in Dublin, Ireland, New York City, and 
even represented the First State at the inaugural parades of both 
President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama in Washington, DC.
  Delaware's firefighters are dedicated and caring professionals who 
willingly put themselves at risk--day and night, in all kinds of 
weather. As their congressional delegation, we are all sincerely 
grateful for the continued service of the men and women of Citizens' 
Hose Company. The hard work and commitment of these devoted volunteers 
is an inspiration to us all. Moreover, the Citizens' Hose Company No. 1 
has crafted a tradition of superior and selfless service.
  Today, we send our warmest congratulations to the members, volunteers 
and families of Citizens' Hose Company No. 1 on this momentous 
anniversary, and we look forward to hearing of their continued success 
and exemplary service for another 125 years and beyond.

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