[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 176 (Thursday, December 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BAGDAD, FLORIDA VOLUNTEER FIRE 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2013

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of the Bagdad, Florida Volunteer Fire Department and 
recognize the selfless service, sacrifice, and dedication of its 
members, past and present, in protecting the citizens of the Northwest 
Florida community.
  Formally established in 1963, the Bagdad Volunteer Fire Department 
was initially founded in 1962 as a Fire Rescue team of ten men led by 
Chief Dan Fowler. Despite having little equipment and no firehouse, 
this team of dedicated individuals was inspired by the need for a 
department to provide for the safety and rescue needs of Bagdad and the 
surrounding Santa Rosa County community. Bagdad Elementary School 
opened its doors as a meeting place for the volunteers to discuss 
business and other issues, while the Florida Department of Forestry 
provided the team's first truck that was stationed at the Chief's home. 
With the continued support of the local community and to meet the 
growing needs of its citizens, the department built its first firehouse 
in 1965 on donated land and acquired a second fire truck. A third truck 
was acquired in 1975, and the 1980's brought the deployment of a pager 
system and acquisition of a fourth and more modern fire truck. Today, 
the department comprises 25 volunteers, 2 Class-A 1,000 gallon pumpers, 
an E-1 rescue truck, an E-1 brush attack truck and a 17.5-foot rescue 
boat.
  Throughout the course of Bagdad Volunteer Fire Department's fifty-
year history and transformation, what has remained constant is the 
clear vision of the required capabilities needed to successfully meet 
the safety needs of the growing community, as well as, the passion and 
dedication of its numerous volunteers.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me 
great pleasure to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Bagdad, 
Florida Volunteer Fire Department. My wife Vicki joins me in thanking 
all of the volunteers for their faithful service and wishing them and 
the department continued success.

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