[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 161 (Friday, September 17, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF THE LEXINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 17, 2021

  Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Lexington Fire 
Department as they celebrate 150 years of service to the people of 
Lexington, Kentucky.
  Lexington was founded in 1775 and quickly grew from a pioneer 
settlement into a village. Fire was a constant threat due to the number 
of wooden structures. The Lexington Fire Company was formed in May of 
1790 and became the first fire department west of the Allegheny 
Mountains. Whenever a fire broke out in the early days of Lexington's 
history, all the able-bodied men, and oftentimes women, would show up, 
form a bucket brigade, and attempt to put out the fire. In August of 
1871, two large fires destroyed significant portions of the city of 
Lexington. The Lexington Fire Company was then reorganized and the 
Lexington Fire Department as it is now known was created on September 
7, 1871. The Department grew over the years, adding innovations such as 
call boxes and fire hydrants. The first horseless engine in Lexington 
was purchased in 1911. Other innovations included new fire stations, 
employee physicals, truck mounted radios and first aid. The Department 
also began to introduce public education and prevention efforts.
  Over the 150 years of its existence, the Lexington Fire Department 
has protected the citizens of Lexington by responding to the threat of 
property loss, injury, and death caused by fire. The Department has 
made numerous changes over time to provide the best and most up to date 
services to meet the changing needs of the community.
  Currently, the Lexington Fire Department serves as the Commonwealth 
of Kentucky's largest fire department. They operate out of 24 fire 
stations. They have responded to over 304,000 local emergencies in the 
past 5 years, with a current staff of 597 men and women and a budget of 
just over $80 million.
  In 2018, the Department began its innovative and impressive Community 
Paramedicine Program, which enables firefighters to take a more 
comprehensive approach to the care of patients who depend highly on E-
911. This is resulting in saving lives and making a difference for 
Fayette County residents.
  I congratulate chief Jason Wells and all the firefighters of the 
Lexington Fire Department on their 150th anniversary. It is my honor to 
remember the history and to recognize the brave men and women of the 
Lexington Fire Department before the United States Congress.

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