[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15174]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO THE OWEGO, NEW YORK, FIRE DEPARTMENT HOSE TEAMS

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                         HON. SHERWOOD BOEHLERT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the Owego, New 
York, Fire Department Hose Teams for placing first and second at the 
Central New York Firematic Hose Races on July 16, 2006, during the 
113th Annual Central New York Firemen's Convention in New York Mills, 
New York.
  In a superb victory, Owego's Susquehanna House Company #1 secured the 
overall points title, successfully defending its title from last year 
and winning its third and final leg on the overall traveling trophy. 
Three legs are required to retire the traveling trophy. This year's 
victory marks the second time the Owego team has successfully retired 
the trophy. Since the inception of firematic hose races in the 1940's, 
Owego has won 12 championships. In addition, Owego's Croton Hose #3 
team finished second overall.
  Team members for the Susquehanna House Company #1 included J.T. 
Fisher, Patrick Gavin, Tim Gavin, Danny Gavin, and Lou Striley. The 
Owego Fire Department proudly protects 26,000 residents, and its 
members participate on a volunteer status. Therefore, the winners 
deserve to be recognized not only for their excellent performance, but 
also for their outstanding service to the community as firefighters.
  Both teams have donated their prize money, a total of $350, to the 
Owego Fire Department Training Tower Fund in memory of fallen 
firefighter Steve Gavin, who hose raced for Owego teams for 34 years 
before his passing in the fall of 2003. I commend the winners for this 
noble tribute in honor of a man who gave so much to his family and 
community.
  On behalf of the entire 24th Congressional district, I congratulate 
the Owego teams for their achievements, and for their tireless service 
to the Owego community.

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