The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE HEUVELTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ON ITS 100TH
ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING
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HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK
of new york
in the house of representatives
Monday, April 26, 2021
Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of the brave first responders of the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding. From the beginning, this fire department has shown tremendous dedication to protecting and serving the village of Heuvelton and surrounding municipalities in St. Lawrence County.
First established on April 17, 1921, the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department has grown from its original membership of 26 volunteers to a network of local firefighters, emergency medical technicians, divers, and fire police capable of responding to any emergency. Under the direction of its inaugural chief, Claude H. Preston, the fire brigade once rushed to fires with a hand-drawn cart and buckets at the sounding of the church bells at St. Raphael's Catholic Church. Now, since the installation of the town's first fire siren in 1932, a test siren can be heard every day at noon, except Sundays, as it has for the past 90 years. The Department today can service any emergency call in the Heuvelton area and often aids neighboring departments.
Despite its humble beginnings and starting with one ``modern'' Sanford fire engine, the department now has a fleet of engines and emergency vehicles and a dedicated team equipped with modern medical technologies. Currently, the Sanford engine is still in use after undergoing multiple restorations and can frequently be seen in local parades. In an expansion of additional services still provided today, Heuvelton and Ogdensburg firefighters partnered together to create a joint ``First Responders'' program in 1989, intending to be first on the scene, even prior to the Rescue Squad's arrival. Volunteers of the Heuvelton crew faithfully assist in the time of need and display the compassionate spirit and lending hand that is customary in the North Country.
Members of the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department serve as extraordinary examples of those who sacrifice for the good of the community. Throughout the strain of the current pandemic, they continue to put out fires and to provide care for their neighbors. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department, a cornerstone in the community.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 71
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