[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 103 (Thursday, June 25, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE HONEY POT VOLUNTEER ACTIVE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2015

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to help commemorate the 
50th anniversary of the establishment of The Honey Pot Volunteer Active 
Fire Department in Honey Pot, Pennsylvania, which continually works to 
ensure public safety within my congressional district. Out of seven 
fire departments in the City of Nanticoke, it is the only independent 
station supported solely from fundraisers and the State fire grant.
   After a devastating fire consumed three houses, a group of Honey Pot 
residents chartered the department in April of 1965. Under the 
leadership of the department's first chief, Theadore Zdiarski, the 
organization raised sufficient funds to purchase a $32,000 1965 FWD 
pumper through the sale of rags, metals, and other miscellaneous items; 
an impressive feat in and of itself.
   Throughout the years, the department has responded to calls in 
neighboring municipalities such as Nanticoke, Wilkes Barre, Plymouth, 
Plymouth Township, Shickshinny, and Dupont; service that has greatly 
enhanced public safety across Northeastern Pennsylvania. In 1992, the 
company created a junior firefighter program. In doing so, the company 
not only successfully increased their membership, but also engaged with 
local youths.
   In addition to their stellar record of public service, the company 
has repeatedly used fundraising efforts as a way to positively 
influence the community. For example, when the department needed to 
replace its aged pumper truck in 2000, the members organized a 
``cabbage roll,'' a fundraiser where participants compete in rolling 
heads of cabbage down a hill. The cabbage roll made local headlines 
across Northeastern Pennsylvania, and such an event is testament to the 
integral role the company plays in the local community outside of the 
fire station.
   Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize The Honey Pot Volunteer 
Active Fire Department as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. On behalf 
of a grateful community, I wish to thank the department and its members 
for their tireless service and unwavering commitment to increasing 
public safety.

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