[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17824]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     150TH ANNIVERSARY OF COLCHESTER (CT) VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                            HON. ROB SIMMONS

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 2004

  Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's firefighters stand ready to 
protect lives and property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Firefighters 
have no holiday because the types of disasters they face can happen 
anytime.
  In Connecticut's Second District, which I am proud to represent, the 
Board of Selectmen for the Town of Colchester has issued a proclamation 
recognizing the Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Company's 150 years 
of service. I come to the floor of the House of Representatives to add 
my voice to thanking all the members, past and present, of this 
wonderful Fire Company.
  The Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Department was established in 
February 1854, by Nathaniel Hayward. Mr. Hayward donated 200 feet of 
hose to the fire department, providing the Borough of Colchester agreed 
to buy the first fire engine. In October of that year the first hand 
pumper was purchased.
  The company grew over the years. In 1913, the first gasoline water 
pump was purchased. In 1934 the fire station expanded to two engine 
bays, and by the 1960s the station had four bays. In 1974 the first 
paid firefighter was hired, and in 1989 the dedication of a new fire 
station, on Old Hartford Road, took place. In 1993 the fire department 
began handling emergency medical services, and in 2004 the town of 
Colchester appointed the first paid fire chief, Walter Cox, who leads 
more than 125 volunteers.
  But despite these changes, one thing has remained constant. Today, as 
in the past, those who wear the uniform of the Colchester Hayward 
Volunteer Fire Department have only one goal--to protect the people of 
their community.
  I once saw a bumper sticker that said: ``On the eighth day God 
created firefighters.'' That's not much of an exaggeration. How many of 
us would go into a burning building to save a total stranger? How many 
of us would run towards danger while others are running the other way?
  It takes a special person to be a firefighter. For 150 years the 
dedicated professionals of the Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire 
Department have provided quality service. Through their selfless 
efforts they make their community a better place in which to live, work 
and raise a family. I urge this Congress to join me in honor of 150 
years of the Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Department.

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