[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26088]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE MILL CREEK FIRE COMPANY AND ITS LADIES' AUXILIARY; 
HONORING: JOSEPH H. MULLINS, SR., LAWRENCE MERGENTHALER, AND CATHERINE 
                               W. JENKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 1, 2007

  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to pay tribute to the Mill Creek Fire Company and its Ladies' 
Auxiliary for providing the people of Delaware with 80 years of 
outstanding service. The importance of emergency fire and medical 
services within our communities cannot be underscored enough. I am 
proud to represent a state that is home to such selfless and dedicated 
firefighters, EMTs, and service volunteers as those at the Mill Creek 
Fire Company here in Delaware.
  The Mill Creek Fire Company was born from a tradition of strong 
community involvement and has kept that tradition alive through the 
years. The fire company had its humble beginnings in the Social Room of 
the Marshallton United Methodist Church back in 1927, when seven 
community members each chipped in one dollar to start the Mill Creek 
Fire Company Treasury. From that point on, it has steadily grown into a 
pillar of strength within the community. Residents within its 17 square 
mile response district have come to rely on the company not only for 
safety, but also for the social role it plays in bringing the community 
together. The Mill Creek Fire Company's unique, green fire trucks have 
become a source of pride, and serve as a reminder of the dedication and 
spirit which enable the company to excel.
  On this special anniversary, I would like to recognize three 
individuals for their unprecedented dedication to the Mill Creek Fire 
Company; Joseph H. Mullins, Sr., Lawrence Mergenthaler, and Catherine 
W. Jenkins. They have each put forth tremendous effort to make the 
organization what it is today.
  Joseph Mullins joined the company in 1938, from which point he went 
on to serve as Chief for 25 years and president for two terms. Lawrence 
Mergenthaler joined the company in 1953 and assumed the position of 
Chief after Joseph Mullins in 1976. He has served several terms on the 
board of directors and among his many accomplishments, he was voted to 
be a fireman of the year. Catherine Jenkins was president of the 
Ladies' Auxiliary for 4 years, served on the board of directors, and 
still remains active in many community organizations.
  This brief list of distinctions does not do these honorees justice 
for all the hard work and sacrifices they have made for the ends of 
bettering our community. Their efforts will inspire others and I am 
happy to call attention to the positive influence they have had 
throughout Delaware and beyond.
  I would also like to commend the Mill Creek Fire Company and its 
Ladies' Auxiliary for its 80 years of exceptional service. The bravery 
and hard work of all those involved with this outstanding fire company 
are responsible for making Delaware a safer place to live.

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