[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE NORTH THOMPSONVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 28, 2014

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of the North Thompsonville Fire Department. The NTFD is led 
by Chief Earl Provencher and Deputy Chiefs Douglas Maxellon and David 
Lapponese who are all prepared to lead a group of firefighters, or the 
entire department if necessary, into any situation. Chairman Ralph 
Jensen heads the board of five fire commissioners. Since its first 
meeting in the Manning Barn on February 16, 1914, the fire department 
has grown steadily. Today, the station serves as a second home to the 
46 men and women who proudly serve the 10,000 people of their district.
  Through the years, the North Thompsonville Fire Department has 
expanded to better meet the needs of the community. By 1929, they had 
moved out of the Thompsonville Water Company Pumping Station and into 
their first fire station. In 1969, with more than 50 active members, 
the department hired the first part-time employees and named its first 
Fire Fighter of the Year, Ernest W. Deford. A generous donation from 
the John Maciolek Post of the American Legion in 1973 revolutionized 
the way the department responded to motor vehicle accidents. Believed 
to have the second set of Jaws of Life in the State of Connecticut, the 
department's use of this life-saving tool made critical rescues safer 
and more effective.
  In 2009, the department proudly honored Deputy Chief Ken ``Pops'' 
Provencher for his 50 years of service. In 2012, they also gave this 
distinguished honor to Captain Patrick Griffin just before he passed 
away. The following year, department again had the privilege of 
honoring Captain Ralph Jensen, Sr. These men started as cadets and 
worked through the ranks from firefighter all the way up their 
respective ranks at retirement. All three continued their careers by 
becoming Fire Commissioners. The district, the members, and the 
citizens of the North Thompsonville Fire District thanked these men for 
their combined 150 years of service.
  In 2012, the North Thompsonville Fire Department responded to 502 
calls including structure, vehicle, brush and incidental fires, 
hazardous material incidents, mutual aid assignments, and medical 
emergencies. The department spent over 2,900 hours responding to 
emergencies and an additional 4,100 hours in training.
  I ask that my colleagues join with me in congratulating the North 
Thompsonville Fire Department on the 100th anniversary and commend them 
for the work they do each day to keep their community safe.

                          ____________________