[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 139 (Monday, September 9, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H5038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING ALPHA FIRE COMPANY OF CENTRE COUNTY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania). The Chair 
recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the Alpha Fire Company of Centre County, Pennsylvania.
  This year, the Alpha Fire Company is celebrating 125 years of 
dedicated emergency services to the State College community.
  In 1899, a group of volunteers recognized the need within their 
community to establish a fire company to protect and to serve the 
region. For the last 125 years, the Alpha Fire Company has remained 
steadfast in this commitment.
  In its early years, the Alpha Fire Company, originally Union Fire 
Company, used hand-drawn hose carts to fight fires in the few blocks of 
homes and buildings that surrounded the Pennsylvania State College 
campus, which had its own student-run volunteer fire company.
  Since its founding, the Alpha Fire Company has seen many changes as 
the community continues to grow. Still, they have continued to provide 
dedicated emergency services for the past 125 years. This fire company 
is entirely volunteer based and often includes multiple generations of 
firefighters. Mr. Speaker, this dedication is what keeps the Alpha Fire 
Company topnotch.
  Currently, there are 100 volunteers, and they handle the four primary 
municipalities it covers: State College Borough, College Township, 
Ferguson Township, and Patton Township. It also provides automatic aid 
to Halfmoon and Harris Townships.
  The men and women of Alpha Fire Company are more than just 
firefighters. They are our neighbors, our friends, and family members. 
These dedicated volunteers give their time and energy, often balancing 
demanding jobs and personal responsibilities, to ensure our safety. 
Their commitment to protecting lives and property is inspiring and 
deserves our deepest gratitude.
  The Alpha Fire Company is more than just a group of fire stations 
that protect and serve the State College region. It is truly an 
integral part of the community.
  Aside from their lifesaving efforts, these volunteer firefighters 
make the Centre Region a better place. Whether it be a Fourth of July 
carnival, a school demonstration, or aiding in a fundraiser, the men 
and women of the Alpha Fire Company embody the spirit of community 
service.

  Mr. Speaker, this is not the first time I have recognized the Alpha 
Fire Company on the House floor. In the fall of 2023, an all-woman crew 
bravely led the initial attack line in a three-alarm fire, making a 
historic milestone in our journey of service and dedication.
  Throughout its 125 years of dedicated service, the Alpha Fire Company 
has lost three brave men in the line of duty. Philip Foster, Larry 
Oberle, and Charles Zeigler selflessly laid down their lives to protect 
the community they called home.
  These heroes are not forgotten. The memorial honoring these fallen 
firefighters in the borough station will forever preserve their memory.
  In a time when resources are often stretched thin, volunteer 
firefighters fill the gap, ensuring that no call for help goes 
unanswered.
  They are trained professionals who bring their skills, courage, and 
compassion to the front lines, whether it is battling blazes, 
responding to accidents, or providing essential assistance for medical 
emergencies.
  Over the past 125 years, the Alpha Fire Company has grown and 
evolved, continually adapting to meet the needs of our community. They 
have embraced advancements in technology and training, ensuring their 
brave men and women are prepared to handle any emergency with 
professionalism and expertise.
  I know firsthand the dedication and passion volunteer firefighters 
have for protecting their communities. I am deeply grateful for the 
unwavering dedication and passion of the Alpha Fire Company's volunteer 
firefighters in protecting our neighborhoods.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Alpha Fire Company for their 
bravery, their service, and their commitment to our community and 
congratulate them on 125 years of service.

                          ____________________