Celebrating The 125th Anniversary Of The Southampton Fire Department
CELEBRATING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOUTHAMPTON FIRE DEPARTMENT -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 19, 2006)
SPEECH OF HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2006
* Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to rise in honor of a proud and long-serving institution of my district--on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of Southampton Fire Department's creation last Saturday, September 9th. I was honored to participate in this celebration, which included a parade of fire trucks and culminated with the anniversary gala at the Hampton Road Firehouse.
* I am privileged to represent the Village of Southampton, New York. A common thread runs through the town's rich history--an all volunteer force that has served and responded bravely since the first firefighters in Southampton consisted of bucket brigades whose fire alarms were sounded by the village blacksmith banging on his rim.
* The first company that constitutes today's fire department was the Agawam Engine Company. Founded in 1881, it was widely known for the 415-pound bell used to alert the firefighters and the handpumping hose cart they used to extinguished fires. Like many Long Island families who can proudly claim that generations served as the department, one of my ancestors, James H. Bishop, was a founding member of Agawam Company, and my great grandfather, Benjamin Bishop, later served as its chief between 1893 and 1897.
* Since that time, more dangerous fires started by complex fuels and as a result of eastern Long Island's booming population have intensified the demands on the 143 current members of the Agawam Engine, Agawam Hose, Southampton Hook and Ladder, Southampton Fire Patrol, and Southampton Hose Companies. Still, they remain an all-volunteer and highly skilled force whose frequent feats of heroism and selfless dedication remind us of the firefighters who gave their lives at the World Trade Center as we observed the solemn occasion of the fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
* Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in thanking those firefighters who continue to protect our families and communities, and extend our deepest gratitude to volunteers, like those intrepid men and women of the Southampton Fire Department, who risk their lives each day to keep us safe.
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