[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4868]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATIONS TO THE KERN COUNTY FIRE FIGHTERS UNION IAFF LOCAL 1301 
              ON THE CELEBRATION OF THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 2, 2008

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today, to congratulate the Kern 
County Fire Fighters Union, Inc. IAFF Local 1301 on the celebration of 
their 50th anniversary.
  The Kern County Fire Fighters Union dates back to 1957, when the 
first organizing meeting was held. Kern County Fire Fighters Union, 
Inc. IAFF Local 1301 was officially organized on March 24, 1958 with 44 
charter members, including Organizing President Arthur A. Arvizu and 
First Elected President Lester Cheek.
  The first Union office was a cardboard box inside an automobile 
trunk. IAFF Local 1301 bought their first building located at 230 
Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield, California in April of 1968. The office 
on Truxtun Avenue was eventually sold and the Union moved to 3615 Mt 
Vernon Avenue in August of 1982.
  While the Union has kept pace with all phases of Kern County Fire 
Fighter wages, hours and working conditions, some examples of its 
biggest accomplishments include establishing an Educational Incentive 
Plan, reducing the work week from 72 hours to 56 Hours with paid 
holidays, and playing a major role in the signing implementation of the 
Joint Powers Agreement between the Kern County Fire Department and the 
Bakersfield City Fire Department.
  In the past 50 years, their membership has grown from 44 to 529 
strong while 18 presidents have played a vital role in the Union's 
success.
  The Union continues to make every effort to work with the Board of 
Supervisors, department heads and staff, as well as the Chief of the 
Kern County Fire Department and his staff, believing that greater 
strides can be made with all parties working together. Members have 
always felt secure knowing that no matter what task lies ahead, it will 
be met with enthusiasm by dedicated members who believe in and live by 
the Union motto, ``In Unity There Is Strength.''
  The 50th anniversary of the Kern County Fire Fighters Union, Inc. 
IAFF Local 1301 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 toward the flames. They 
are our everyday heroes and I, along with all Kern County communities, 
am eternally grateful for their service.

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