[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 19966]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      SCOTT COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay tribute to the Scott County 
Fire Department and its personnel for their progress in providing 
outstanding fire protection for the citizens of Scott County. Their 
efforts have not gone unnoticed.
  Through the leadership of Scott County Fire Chief Billy Willhoite, 
the amount of full-time firefighters over the past 10 years has 
doubled. The efforts of full-time and volunteer firefighters alike 
along with increased investment in manpower, equipment, training, and 
facilities, have enabled the department to make great strides in 
serving their fellow Kentuckians. Billy Willhoite's 29 years of 
experience as a firefighter, 25 of which were as chief, have enabled 
him to shape the personnel of the Scott County Fire Department to make 
great strides in their firefighting capabilities.
  While funding is a significant component to fire protection, no 
dollar sign can be placed on the bravery, courage, and commitment 
inherent of those who put themselves into harm's way to protect those 
in danger. The firefighters of the Scott County Fire Department are 
heroes to so many and deserve our gratitude. At a moment's notice, they 
can be relied upon to respond to any emergency regardless of the 
circumstances to assure the safety of those in need.
  As our Nation takes measures to strengthen our homeland security, it 
will be imperative that fire departments throughout Kentucky and across 
America follow the example of the Scott County Fire Department and 
adapt to improve fire protection services. I am proud of their efforts 
and am grateful for how well they have represented the Commonwealth. I 
thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize the Scott County Fire 
Department and its personnel for their service to their community and 
to our Nation. They are Kentucky at its finest.

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