[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 45]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING EDWARD A. TOKASZ UPON HIS 70TH ANNIVERSARY AS A MEMBER OF THE 
                   DOYLE HOSE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 15, 2008

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, as you well know, the fire service 
remains among the most well respected and revered groups of individuals 
within communities throughout the United States. The volunteer fire 
service, moreover, represents groups of individuals within particular 
communities who, of their own volition, choose to protect and serve 
their home communities, putting their lives on the line toward the 
betterment and safety of their hometowns.
  Today, Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the personal sacrifice of a 
member of one of the best known and most respected fire companies in my 
congressional district--the Doyle Hose Fire Company in the town of 
Cheektowaga. I rise to honor Edward A. Tokasz, who this year will 
celebrate his 70th anniversary as an active member of Doyle Hose.
  A little less than 2 months past his 18th birthday, Ed joined up with 
Doyle on February 2, 1938, and from that day forward has honorably and 
competently served as a dedicated member of the company. Ed served in 
many positions within Doyle, including assistant chief, president, vice 
president, and sergeant at arms. In particular, in perhaps his most 
amazing statistic, Ed served as Treasurer for nearly 60 years.
  Ed's service to our community set an example for others to follow. 
Ed's son, Paul Tokasz, began his career as a schoolteacher, and served 
in several governmental positions before his election to the New York 
State Assembly in 1988. Paul would eventually rise to serve as majority 
leader, and I served with Paul in the legislature for 6 years. 
Undoubtedly, it was Ed's influence that led Paul and many others into 
public service.
  Madam Speaker, it is not often that a Member of the House has the 
opportunity to honor someone for 70 years of active service in any 
vocation, much less a vocation as critical to one's community as the 
fire service. That is why I am asking that you join with me and with 
all of our colleagues in congratulating Ed Tokasz for his long service 
to our community, and I know that you and all of our colleagues join me 
in wishing Ed and his family nothing but the very best of luck and 
Godspeed in the months and years to come.

                          ____________________