[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25172]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


     RECOGNIZING UNION FIRE ASSOCIATION OF LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, 
                PENNSYLVANIA ON THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 16, 2003

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize members of the 
Union Fire Association on the 100th Anniversary of their company's 
founding.
  Ever since its establishment 100 years ago, the Union Fire 
Association has been an important member of Lower Merion Township. As 
the community has grown and prospered over the years, so has the Fire 
Association which now is one of the finest and well-equipped in the 
region.
  The volunteers of this fine company deserve all the support that we 
may offer. They serve selflessly and tirelessly in order to protect 
their fellow citizens and, in the times of uncertainty we face today, 
their heroics are immeasurable. They are citizens just like you and I--
teachers, students, doctors, lawyers, electricians, engineers, police 
officers. The list goes on and on--all willing to make sacrifices to 
ensure public safety. Before a member of this Company even sets foot 
into their first fire, they must undergo hours of training and, once 
completed, the education continues with advanced classes to learn 
vehicle rescue, firefighter rescue, pump operations and so on. As a 
service to the community, they put on demonstrations that educate us on 
how to stay safe in emergency situations. They are an irreplaceable and 
integral part of our community, whether it is raising money for a 
cause, adding to the joy of a local parade or hosting meetings and 
social functions. Clearly, the members of the Union Fire Association 
have served proudly and I rise today to recognize their service over 
the past 100 years.
  I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the Union Fire 
Association on their 100th Anniversary and salute, admire and 
appreciate all the volunteers that have served this community for so 
many years.

                          ____________________