[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 93 (Wednesday, June 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE FIRE 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2018

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
175th Anniversary of the Independence Fire Department in Missouri's 
Fifth Congressional District, which I proudly represent.
  Throughout the first half of the 18th Century, Independence, Missouri 
was a prospering village on the cusp of achieving the noteworthy status 
of an industrialized community. As people planted their roots and a 
community flourished, there emerged an evident need to protect what 
they had established. In 1843, community members petitioned the state 
legislature, and the 12th General Assembly of Missouri approved the 
establishment of a volunteer fire department known as the 
``Independence Fire Company''.
  At that time, it is my understanding that these volunteers carved out 
an indelible mark of innovation in the community, with a manpowered 
wooden engine and buckets of water to put out fires as their only 
tools. In August of 1894, the Independence Fire Company transitioned 
from a volunteer based organization to a professionally paid 
department. Furthermore, it gives me great pride to know just how far 
this company has come over the years.
  By the end of the 1950's, the department boasted the employment of 
more than 100 firemen, nearly five times the amount the company had at 
the beginning of the decade. Furthermore, with eight stations total, 
the department expanded its protection of a population of 16,000 to 
nearly 100,000 citizens. This period of rapid expansion was initiated 
by the Missouri Inspection Bureau; however, it is my belief that these 
achievements would not have been possible without the hard work and 
determination of each and every individual within the department.
  Today, the department encompasses 10 fire stations, 165 firefighters, 
and an area of 78 square miles. Under the current leadership of the 
Fire Chief Douglas Short, the Independence Fire Department remains an 
institution that protects and serves the community. Just as those who 
established the company 175 years ago, they maintain the same selfless 
sacrifice regarding the protection of countless lives and the community 
as a whole.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me and all of Missouri's Fifth Congressional 
District in honoring the Independence Fire Department for their 175 
years of dedicated service to the community. Let us join in recognizing 
the bravery of the men and women, past and present, who have honorably 
served the community and preserved the integrity and excellence of this 
establishment.

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