[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28282]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BAKERSFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 24, 2007

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague 
Congressman McCarthy, to congratulate the Bakersfield Fire Department 
on the celebration of their 130th anniversary.
  The Bakersfield Fire Department dates back to 1877, when community 
members recognized a need for a well-organized, professional fire 
department and held local fundraisers to buy equipment. Since those 
early days, the department has expanded and now serves the public with 
13 engines, 3 ladder trucks and over 180 firefighters.
  For over a century, the Bakersfield Fire Department has served the 
Bakersfield community, and their deep and longstanding commitment to 
public safety is evident by the many public education programs they 
conduct every year. Throughout the year, the department hosts many 
informational sessions such as: fire safety and home evacuation, the 
installation and maintenance of smoke detectors, earthquake 
preparedness and chemical safety. Bakersfield's firefighters also 
deliver presentations in local classrooms, educating our children on 
helping to make their communities a safe place to live.
  Through the efforts of their public education and fire prevention 
services division, the firefighters are working hard to ensure fire 
disasters never occur in the first place. However, should the worst 
occur, the operations, training and arson divisions stand ready to 
assist our citizens at a second's notice.
  The Bakersfield Firefighters have always prided themselves on serving 
the community not only through first-rate emergency services while on-
the-job, but also a commitment to volunteerism that extends beyond 
their job responsibilities. As active members of the community, the 
firefighters are involved in a wide range of volunteer activities, from 
serving on local boards of community organizations to helping 
disadvantaged children get school supplies for the upcoming school 
year.
  The 130th anniversary of the Bakersfield Fire Department is a perfect 
opportunity to pay tribute to the men and women who risk their lives 
every day for the safety of our community. Often, when people are 
running out of buildings, away from the danger, these brave men and 
women are the ones running towards the flames. They are our everyday 
heroes and both my community and myself are eternally grateful for 
their service.

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