[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SCHERERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2014

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I recognize the Schererville Fire Department, as the organization 
celebrates its 100th anniversary. In honor of this momentous occasion, 
the Schererville Fire Department is hosting a celebratory event on 
Friday, September 26, 2014, at the Patrician Banquet Center in 
Schererville, Indiana.
   The Schererville Volunteer Fire Department was established on June 
25, 1914, under the direction of Fire Chief Fred Henderlong, and was 
made up of twenty-five volunteer members. In the early days, the 
firefighters did not receive compensation for their work. This changed 
in 1953, when one dollar was given to the members for attending a 
monthly meeting, responding to a call, or working for one hour. Today, 
the Schererville Fire Department is a fully paid organization 
consisting of sixty-one employees. Throughout the years, the department 
has changed its standards to fit the needs of the community. From 
purchasing the department's first motorized piece of fire equipment in 
1922, to upgrading their ambulance service from basic life support to 
advanced life support in 2006, the Schererville Fire Department has 
upheld their mission statement of ``serving the needs of its people.''
   The leaders and members of the Schererville Fire Department continue 
to touch lives through their outstanding community service, especially 
to those most in need. Every year, the organization lends its support 
to a variety of charitable organizations, including Hoosier Burn Camp, 
the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the American Heart Association, 
Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids, ``Bump Out Cancer,'' Tri-Town Safety 
Village, Schererville Baseball League, and the Down Syndrome 
Association of Northwest Indiana.
   At this time, I would like to acknowledge several individuals who, 
in conjunction with the Schererville Fire Department, have worked 
diligently to support this outstanding organization. In addition to the 
firefighters and all of the employees of the department, I would like 
to recognize Fire Chief Joseph M. Kruzan, Jr., Deputy Fire Chief Robert 
Patterson, Town Council President Mike Troxell, and Board of Safety 
Chairman Pete Sormaz.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in congratulating the Schererville Fire Department on its 100th 
anniversary. Northwest Indiana is both grateful and proud to have had 
the organization's support during the past 100 years, and for their 
selfless service, the leadership and members of the Schererville Fire 
Department are worthy of the highest praise.

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