[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 186 (Tuesday, November 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEBANON VOLUNTEER FIRE 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 27, 2018

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th 
anniversary of the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department and to thank its 
dedicated members for their commitment to their community and the 
residents of eastern Connecticut.
  The Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department was founded in September 1943 
by 53 Lebanon residents without any equipment or station of their own. 
The first chief of the company, Clark W. Standish, obtained permission 
from the State Forestry Department to use their truck and equipment 
until Lebanon could procure their own. Since the department's 
inception, its volunteers have consistently served the Town of Lebanon 
demonstrating courage and compassion in times of crisis and distress 
for their friends, families, and neighbors. For decades Lebanon 
Volunteer Fire Department has also provided the same exceptional and 
brave service to surrounding towns and communities under mutual aid 
agreements. The department has grown and adapted to the changing needs 
of the Town while remaining an all-volunteer force, providing fire, 
EMS, and hazmat services for the protection of life, property, and the 
environment.
  This growth and innovation by Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department has 
intensified in the wake of the post-9/11 world. As my colleagues know, 
the new Department of Homeland Security, which was created in the wake 
of the tragedy, established the Assistance to Firefighters Grant 
Program which has provided recurring grants to local departments all 
across the country. The grant process is an annual one and requires 
knowledge and expertise for departments big and small to access these 
funds for needed equipment and training. In Connecticut's Second 
District, the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department has graciously hosted 
annual AFG seminars for communities all across the region. Given that 
this program is competitive, Lebanon's willingness to share updates on 
ways to successfully navigate the grant process speaks highly of their 
commitment to public safety for all.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring these 
dedicated public servants both living and deceased, whose dedication 
and heroism have made this auspicious occasion possible. All 
firefighters and EMTs make sacrifices of time and take significant 
personal risks for the protection of the communities they serve. We in 
eastern Connecticut are ever so fortunate and grateful to be protected 
by the courageous men and women of Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department.

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