[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 167 (Thursday, November 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1740-E1741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      THE 210TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEESBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2013

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Leesburg 
Volunteer Fire Company, which celebrated its 210th anniversary on 
November 15.
  The fire company is an important part of the history of the Town of 
Leesburg. It began in 1803 when Leesburg residents formed a ``bucket 
brigade.'' Each male member of the household kept buckets made of 
leather on the floor of their homes. Later in the 1800s, the bucket 
brigade reorganized into the Leesburg Fire Company, and by the 1820s 
the company had acquired a new hand-pumped fire engine. In the 20th 
century, the company advanced from the use of hand-pulled engines and 
hose carts to more modern fire engines. Further expansion happened in 
the 1920s with the construction of a new fire station and the purchase 
of several new fire trucks.
  Over the past 210 years, the fire company has grown and changed 
significantly while safeguarding the Leesburg community. In 1928, the 
company responded to 21 calls, and by the 1970s, demand for the 
company's services had grown to an average of 300 calls a year. The 
company then hired its first fire marshal to keep up with demand. 
Today, the volunteers and career firefighters who make up what is now 
called the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company use advance training and the 
highest-quality equipment to provide fire prevention, emergency rescue 
services and fire safety education. In 2012, the fire company responded 
to more than 1,723 calls, underscoring the organization's invaluable 
contributions to the community.
  A banquet in honor of the 210th anniversary was held on November 16, 
which focused on the book, The Early History of the Leesburg Volunteer 
Fire Company 1803-1925. The book was researched and written by 11-year 
member James R. Fazekas and is filled with newspaper articles as well 
as maps, photos, drawings and reproductions of archived documents 
commemorating the fire company's history and accomplishments. Mayor 
Kristen Umstattd also presented the Town of Leesburg's annual donation 
of $400,000 to the fire company--a substantial increase from the town's 
allocation of $53.69 in 1891.

[[Page E1741]]

  The success of the fire company is due in part to the leadership of 
President Richard Wolfe, who has been with the company for nine years. 
I would also like to recognize Rick Etter, a 29-year member who served 
as chair of the anniversary committee, and J.B. Anderson, a 43-year 
member. Their and exceptional service is appreciated.
  I commend all the members of Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company for 
their bravery, dedication and willingness to put their lives on the 
line to protect our community. I wish them all the best as they 
celebrate this wonderful milestone.

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