[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 125 (Friday, September 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1357-E1358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING BAYPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT'S 125TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 20, 2013

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the courageous 
volunteers of the

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Bayport Fire Department on the 125th anniversary of its founding. Since 
1888, this band of heroes has come to the rescue of community members 
not only in the City of Bayport but the surrounding townships and 
villages with their all-volunteer department. With literally 
generations of families serving in this St. Croix River fire 
department, the Bayport Fire Department is one of the oldest all-
volunteer fire departments in the state of Minnesota.
  The Bayport Fire Department was originally established in 1888 when 
the village of South Stillwater formed its own brigade to fight fires 
ravaging this small mill town. In the years following department's 
creation, the town has since changed names and generations of families 
have diligently volunteered to protect the Bayport community. Most 
remarkably, it is possibly the oldest all-volunteer fire departments in 
continuous existence in Minnesota. The fire department's informal 
motto, ``desire to serve, courage to act, ability to perform,'' is a 
testament to the inspiring commitment of the Bayport Fire Department's 
all-volunteer staff. The brave men and women in the Bayport Fire 
Department have selflessly given untold time and energy to meet the 
challenges and emergencies this community has faced over the last 125 
years.
  From community outreach to training drills and even water rescues on 
the Saint Croix River, the fire fighting volunteers are extremely 
capable professionals who frequently hold full-time jobs in addition to 
their fire department duties. Bayport fire fighters are trained as 
first responders and routinely arrive first to the scene of local 
medical and fire emergencies. The long and prestigious history of the 
Bayport Fire Department and its all-volunteer staff is a powerful 
demonstration of what is possible when a community acts collectively--
it is an inspiration to us all.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the commitment and 
dedication of all-volunteer Bayport Fire Department as we commemorate 
their 125th anniversary today.

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