[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4472]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE LUMBERTON FIRE AND EMS ON THEIR 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2012

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
congratulate Lumberton Fire and EMS on their 50th Anniversary.
  Now 53 members strong, the proud ranks of the Lumberton Fire and EMS 
paid full and part-time EMS are preparing to grow again thanks to the 
leadership of Fire Chief James K. Philp and his team of operational 
officers and of course, organization President David Grass, Jr.
  On Saturday, March 31, 2012, citizens from throughout Hardin County, 
Texas and Emergency Services District 2 will gather to celebrate the 
half century of service and safety that these brave first responders 
have provided for the people of this beautiful Southeast Texas 
community.
  Serving some of the fastest growing communities in Texas like the 
City of Lumberton and its surrounding region, the Lumberton Fire and 
EMS serves 25,000 citizens and covers 122 square miles of territory. In 
2011 alone, this Department responded to 2,102 calls for service.
  Chartered on April 2, 1962 under the name Chance-Loeb Volunteer Fire 
Department, this department grew into the Lumberton Volunteer Fire 
Department just six years later.
  In 1998, the name changed to Lumberton Fire/Rescue Services and then 
in 2003, the department began working in tandem with the EMS department 
in order to better serve the citizens of Lumberton and the surrounding 
community.
  The two groups started the long process of merging both non-profit, 
tax exempt departments into one stronger, unified organization near the 
end of 2004.
  In February of 2005, Lumberton Volunteer Fire-Rescue and Lumberton 
Emergency Medical Services were formally merged into the department we 
honor today--the Lumberton Fire & EMS.
  This is a department that has been there throughout wildfires, 
hurricanes, tropical storms and so much more.
  I am honored by their selfless service for these 50 golden years in 
the golden triangle. This is truly a significant milestone for this 
community and its dedicated firefighters, volunteers, and citizens who 
show their commitment every time someone calls 9-1-1 for help.

                          ____________________