[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 65 (Thursday, May 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        A TRIBUTE TO BURBANK FIRE DEPARTMENT'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2013

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Burbank Fire 
Department upon its 100th Anniversary. For a century, the Burbank Fire 
Department has been an integral part of the community, keeping the 
residents of Burbank safe and well informed about fire prevention.
  The Burbank Fire Department started as a small group of volunteers 
defending the population of 500 from the devastating effects of fire in 
the community. After multiple fires caused damage to the area, the 
Burbank Board of Trustees established the Burbank Fire Department in 
1913.
  Over the years, the Burbank Fire Department has expanded their 
services to fit the various needs of the community. In 1974 the 
department started a paramedic program and has been an Emergency 
Medical Services (EMS) provider ever since. Burbank Fire Paramedics 
established field treatment protocols in 1993 and these protocols are 
now used across Los Angeles County as the EMS standard for clinically 
effective and safe field care. The department's EMS program has been 
recognized as one of the best in the State of California.
  As a part of the Verdugo Fire Communications Center, established in 
1979 by the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena, the Burbank Fire 
Department makes optimum use of fire services available in the area and 
increases the effectiveness of the cities' fire defense system. The 
Verdugo Fire Communications Center is still owned by the three original 
cities, but it also provides services as needed to the Bob Hope 
Airport, Alhambra, Arcadia, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, San 
Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena.
  Today, the Burbank Fire Department is a full service fire agency with 
six fire stations, a training center, and seven divisions: Fire 
Prevention Bureau, Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, 
Emergency Management, Fire Apparatus & Equipment, Training & Safety, 
and Administration. The department responds to 9200 incidents a year 
and serves approximately 108,000 people over a 17.14 square mile area. 
I am honored to recognize the men and women of the Burbank Fire 
Department for their commitment to keeping our community safe and ask 
all Members to join me in congratulating the Burbank Fire Department 
upon its 100th Anniversary.

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