[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 71 (Monday, April 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E455-E456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE HEUVELTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ON ITS 100TH 
                      ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 26, 2021

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of the 
brave first responders of the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department as 
they celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding. From the 
beginning, this fire department has shown tremendous dedication to 
protecting and serving the village of Heuvelton and surrounding 
municipalities in St. Lawrence County.
  First established on April 17, 1921, the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire 
Department has grown from its original membership of 26 volunteers to a 
network of local firefighters, emergency medical technicians, divers, 
and fire police capable of responding to any emergency. Under the 
direction of its inaugural chief, Claude H. Preston, the fire brigade 
once rushed to fires with a hand-drawn cart and buckets at the sounding 
of the church bells at St. Raphael's Catholic Church. Now, since the 
installation of the town's first fire siren in 1932, a test siren can 
be heard every day at noon, except Sundays, as it has for the past 90 
years. The Department today can service any emergency call in the 
Heuvelton area and often aids neighboring departments.
  Despite its humble beginnings and starting with one ``modern'' 
Sanford fire engine, the department now has a fleet of engines and 
emergency vehicles and a dedicated team equipped with modern medical 
technologies. Currently, the Sanford engine is still in use after 
undergoing multiple restorations and can frequently be seen in local 
parades. In an expansion of additional services still provided today, 
Heuvelton and Ogdensburg firefighters partnered together to create a 
joint ``First Responders'' program in 1989, intending to be first on 
the scene, even prior to the Rescue Squad's arrival. Volunteers of the 
Heuvelton crew faithfully assist in the time of need and display the 
compassionate spirit and lending hand that is customary in the North 
Country.
  Members of the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department serve as 
extraordinary examples of those who sacrifice for the good of the 
community. Throughout the strain of the current pandemic, they continue 
to put out fires and to

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provide care for their neighbors. On behalf of New York's 21st 
Congressional District, I am honored to recognize the 100th anniversary 
of the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department, a cornerstone in the 
community.

                          ____________________