[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 80 (Thursday, May 19, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL VOLUNTEER FIRE COUNCIL 
                                 (NVFC)

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 19, 2016

  Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 40th 
anniversary of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).
   This important organization represents the interests of volunteer 
fire, EMS and rescue workers, who make up approximately 69 percent of 
the nation's fire service. As co-chairman of the Congressional Fire 
Services Caucus, I am proud to work with the National Volunteer Fire 
Council to advocate for the interests of these brave men and women who 
volunteer their time and risk their lives for our communities.
   The NVFC has been a powerful voice for the volunteer firefighter, 
EMT and rescue service. Since the Council began, fire death rate per 
million population declined by 70 percent and on-duty firefighter 
fatalities have dropped by half. The Council's efforts to promote 
safety and fire prevention are also noteworthy. The number of fire 
calls per year is less than half of what it was in 1980.
   In the last few decades, we have learned more about the additional 
grave dangers that firefighters face, including cancer, PTSD, vehicle 
crashes, and heart events. I will continue to work with the NVFC to 
advocate for the health and safety of the volunteer fire service 
community.
   The National Volunteer Fire Council has come a long way since its 
founding in 1976 and I know it will continue to serve its membership 
and the greater community well for many years to come.

                          ____________________