[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16532]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING ENGINE COMPANY NO. 106 OF THE CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT AND 100 
                       YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

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                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 2006

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished 
history of Engine Company No. 106 of the Chicago Fire Department on the 
occasion of its 100th Anniversary. Over the last century, the 
firefighters of Engine Company No. 106 have shown an enduring 
commitment to community service and have worked tirelessly to keep our 
communities safe.
  Fire-related fatalities in Chicago are at a 25 year-low, thanks to 
the life saving efforts of Chicago's firefighters and community 
outreach efforts by firefighters to schools, senior centers and 
neighborhood associations. Chicago's citizens are now better informed 
about how to prevent and handle emergency situations, and they view 
their local firehouse as an important and valuable resource in the 
neighborhood.
  I have visited Engine Company No. 106 many times. This company has 
always epitomized the exemplary values of honor and protection that the 
Chicago Fire Department and the Maltese Cross have become known to 
symbolize. All too often we take for granted the heroic efforts of 
these dedicated public servants.
  Fire Marshal and Chief of Brigade, James Horan originally established 
Engine Company No. 106 on December 31, 1906. As a part of the Fourth 
Fire Battalion of Chicago, the original firehouse was located at 2754 
North Fairfield Avenue, near the intersection of Diversey and Fairfield 
Avenues.
  The original members of the company roster included Captain Alexander 
Kopeto, Lieutenant Thomas Mulcahy, Engineer Henry Clohecy, Assistant 
Engineer Thomas Walsh, Pipemen Frank Mashek, Thomas Cavanaugh, Frank 
McDermott, and Thomas Hogan, and Drivers John Murphy and Thomas 
McCarthy. Today, Captain Kenneth Soo of Engine No. 106 and Captain 
Steven Kierys of Truck No. 13 continue this tradition of excellent 
service for our community.
  This year's Grand Gala celebrating Engine Company No. 106, Truck No. 
13, and Ambulance No. 48 will take place at the current firehouse 
location at 3401 North Elston Avenue. This will be a wonderful event 
that will memorialize this important anniversary: Mr. Speaker, on 
behalf of the citizens of the north side of Chicago and the 
constituents of the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois, I wish to 
recognize the past and current firefighters of Engine No. 106 for their 
dedication and commitment to service. Moreover, I wish all the best for 
the future firefighters of Engine No. 106 and their families.

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