[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 207]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


HONORING THE TOWN OF COLLINS FIRE DEPARTMENT ON THEIR 120TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 23, 2012

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize The Town 
of Collins Fire Department on the occasion of their 120th anniversary.
  On September 29, 1892, the Town of Collins residents took the 
initiative to fill a community need and formed their own fire 
department made up of 26 men led by H.F. Clark. These men operated with 
minimal equipment, comprising of one hand drawn pumper. The Collins 
Center Volunteers didn't have a fire house or regular meetings at the 
time and stored their pumper in the barn of D.W. Wood. But in 1902, the 
barn burned and the men acted by converting the former wagon shop of 
John Auwerter into a fire hall and town jail and thus, the Collins 
Center Volunteers finally had a home. The members hosted several 
meetings and the fire company became much like a social club for the 
men in town.
  In 1922 the Collins Center Volunteers purchased their first horse-
drawn gasoline engine for $750.00 which helped them cover the extensive 
area. But even with new equipment, it was decided that the area was too 
great a challenge to cover for these men. So on April 21, 1925, the 
Collins Fire Company was formed, and they drastically reduced their 
coverage area while increasing fire protection.
  The transformation of the Fire Department continued as the Collins 
and Collins Center Fire Companies merged to become the Town of Collins 
Fire District along with the merge the Board of Fire Commissioners was 
created. The Fire Department would hold annual fundraisers to increase 
their budget and build their Department.
  Today, the firefighters train in numerous areas including 
firefighting pump operation, water supply, forestry fire, incident 
command, auto extrication, and search and rescue operations. The Fire 
Department has truly evolved over the years, and it could not have 
happened without the strong backing of such a vibrant, hard working 
community.
  It is with great pleasure that I stand today to honor the Town of 
Collins Fire Department on their 120th anniversary of serving and 
protecting the community. The Collins Center Volunteer Fire Company has 
consistently answered the call to service, whether as volunteers or as 
active reservists. It is my privilege to join with this fine 
organization on the evening of Saturday, January 21, 2012 and recognize 
the unwavering service of the Town of Collins Fire Company.

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