[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 110 (Thursday, June 24, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE PROSPECT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ON THE OCCASION 
                       OF THEIR 75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2021

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today 
to join the many family, friends, and community members gathered to add 
my congratulations to the Volunteer Fire Department of Prospect, 
Connecticut as they mark the 75th Anniversary of this very special 
organization.
  Incorporated on September 11, 1945, the Prospect Volunteer Fire 
Department was founded and continues today as an all-volunteer effort. 
Over the course of its history, the department has grown and re-shaped 
itself to meet the changing needs of the community, but at its core has 
always been dedicated members of the community answering the call and 
living up to their motto--``neighbors helping neighbors.'' Indeed, many 
of those who volunteer today are 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations of the 
Department's original members.
  And it is not just their volunteer efforts when it comes to 
combatting fires. From the dollars raised to buy their first fire truck 
to the construction of the Department's first building, to their most 
recent equipment purchases, the Department and its volunteer members 
depend more on the generosity of their neighbors and their community 
than they do on the annual town budget. As their written history 
accounts, ``from the first dances at the old Chapel School House, 
through suppers, fireworks sales, ``dollar a month club'', Clyde Beatty 
Circus, and Carnival, the department has earned its own way. While a 
small amount of the expenses has been born by the town, fire coverage 
to equal that furnished by the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department would 
have cost the town thousands of dollars.''
  It is that spirit and deep sense of community that is what makes the 
Prospect Volunteer Fire Department such a unique and special 
organization. As the Prospect community gathers today to celebrate this 
wonderful achievement, I would like to take this opportunity to thank 
all of those who have dedicated not only their time, but their lives, 
to the safety of all Prospect residents. Firefighters face risks that 
many of us can never truly comprehend. Each day they must be able to 
perform under intense pressure--literally in life or death situations. 
Few things are more important than feeling safe in our homes and 
workplaces. Whether hosing down flames, rescuing a child from a burning 
house, or waiting for our call, firefighters are always there to 
protect us and provide us with the peace of mind we need to sleep at 
night. I am proud to recognize and commend the tremendous commitment 
they have made to our community. Our thanks and appreciation can never 
repay those who put their lives on the line to ensure our safety.
  Today's celebration marks the 75th Anniversary of the Prospect 
Volunteer Fire Department. The courage and dedication demonstrated each 
day by these men and women is reflective of the true spirit in which 
the department was established. I am indeed proud to rise today to 
extend my thanks for what they do each day, and congratulations on this 
remarkable accomplishment.

                          ____________________