[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 102 (Tuesday, June 18, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF MANISTEE FIRE STATION

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                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 18, 2019

  Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the City of 
Manistee Fire Station upon the occasion of its 130th anniversary and 
designation as the ``Oldest Continuously Manned Operating Fire 
Station'' by Guinness World Records. Through its extraordinary history 
and commitment to the public good, the Manistee Fire Station has become 
an indispensable part of Michigan's First District.
  First constructed in 1889, the Manistee Fire Station has been manned 
continuously--24 hours a day, 7 days a week--ever since. The hundreds 
of firefighters that have since served in the station's 130 years fully 
devoted themselves to protecting the lives and well-being of the 
residents of Manistee, and the impact of their heroism cannot be 
understated.
  Efforts to receive recognition from Guinness World Records were 
spearheaded by Fred LaPoint, who first joined the fire department in 
1979. The approval process required more than two years of verification 
and was only possible thanks to the tireless effort of community 
leaders like Mark Fedder, executive director of the Manistee County 
Historical Museum. The fire station was finally awarded the title of 
``Oldest Continuously Manned Operating Fire Station'' on its 130th 
anniversary--the very first time Guinness World Records has ever made 
this award designation.
  Madam Speaker, the celebration of the Manistee Fire Station's 130th 
anniversary and designation as the oldest continuously manned operating 
fire station is the perfect opportunity for us to appreciate its unique 
history, cultural impact, and significance to Northern Michigan. 
Michiganders can take immense pride in knowing that the First District 
is home to such an important landmark. On behalf of my constituents, I 
wish the City of Manistee Fire Station all the best in its future 
endeavors.

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