[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 73 (Thursday, May 1, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF SERVICE OF DICK YOUNG

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. NICHOLAS A. LANGWORTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2025

  Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable 
life and service of Richard ``Dick'' Young, a lifelong member of the 
Lancaster, New York community, who recently passed away at the age of 
94.
  Dick was a proud graduate of Lancaster High School, Class of 1948, 
where he served as class president and remained dedicated to keeping 
his classmates connected for decades. In fact, those remaining from his 
class gathered in 2023 to celebrate their 75th reunion--an 
extraordinary milestone.
  Following graduation, Dick answered the call to serve his country by 
joining the United States Navy. From 1948 to 1949, he served aboard the 
USS Buck 761 Destroyer, supporting efforts during the Chinese 
Revolution. After his initial service, he enrolled at Marietta College, 
but when the Korean War broke out, he was called back to duty--this 
time serving as a ship-fitter on the USS Marsh DE699 from 1950 to 1952. 
In recognition of his dedicated service, Dick was honored in 2019 
through the Honor Flight to Washington.
  Dick returned home to join the family business. His father, Lester 
Young, had founded the Young Fire Equipment Corporation in 1944, and by 
the time Dick completed his military service, he was destined to lead 
the company. As President, he relocated it to 204 Cemetery Road in 
Lancaster, where his Navy-honed skills and forward-thinking mindset 
revolutionized the fire apparatus industry. He designed firetrucks that 
were decades ahead of their time--earning a reputation for building the 
``Cadillac of Firetrucks.''
  Though Young Fire closed in 1991, Dick's passion for innovation never 
waned. In 1993, he launched the Performance Advantage Company in 
Lancaster, which continues to design and distribute tool and equipment 
mounting solutions for the fire service, military, and other industries 
in over 38 countries.
  In 2007, Dick established the Greater Lancaster Museum of 
Firefighting, located next to his business. The museum showcases 
historic firefighting artifacts, including those from local departments 
and even pieces from the 9/11 Towers. It stands as a tribute to 
volunteerism, which Dick regarded as the backbone of strong 
communities. He often said, ``Communities cannot function without the 
selfless sacrifices that volunteers contribute. We've got to encourage 
more volunteers.''
  Dick also served his community as an elected member of the Lancaster 
Village Board, where he played a key role in uniting the Village and 
Town to address critical infrastructure needs, including improvements 
to the sewer system.
  Mr. Speaker, Dick Young leaves behind a legacy of service, 
innovation, and unwavering dedication to his community and country. His 
accomplishments, generosity, and leadership set a gold standard that 
will continue to inspire generations to come. May he rest in peace.

                          ____________________