[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 42 (Friday, March 9, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING FAIRMOUNT FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 9, 2018

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the selfless 
actions of several members from the Fairmount Fire Department who went 
above and beyond the call of duty to help an elderly couple.
  On January 12, 2018, members of the Fairmount Fire Department were 
called to the residence of an elderly couple in Camillus, New York. 
Heavy rains and melting snow had flooded their basement, leaving their 
hot water heater and furnace submerged under a foot of water. To make 
matters worse, temperatures that evening were expected to plummet to 
below freezing, putting the couple's safety in danger. With no family 
in the area to assist, and unable to relocate for the night, the 
Fairmount Fire Department came to the rescue.
  Exhibiting consummate professionalism, the first responders replaced 
a broken sump pump to drain remaining water from the couple's basement. 
Fairmount's Fire Chief personally arranged for a last-minute heater 
installation. Ernie Kreis, the owner of Ernie Kreis and Sons Heating 
Co. Inc., rushed to the couple's home, and placed heaters throughout 
the house to keep the couple warm. The following day, Fairmount 
firefighters returned with dehumidifiers while Mr. Kreis and his crew 
finished installing a new furnace and hot water tank.
  Today, it is my distinct honor to recognize Fairmount Fire 
Department's President Greg Popps, Chief of Fire Scott Clarke, 
Lieutenant Chris Barlow, Jesse Belon, Stephanie Barlow, Billy Spinelli, 
Zachary Benjamin, Chris Sheedy, and Lucas Patchen for their selfless 
actions. Fairmount Fire Department is comprised of countless community 
volunteer firefighters, and I am grateful for their countless hours 
working to keep the public safe.

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