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“SAG HARBOR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES 200TH ANNIVERSARY” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1574 on July 23, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SAG HARBOR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES 200TH ANNIVERSARY
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HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP
of new york
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Sag Harbor Fire Department. On March 26, 2003, the Sag Harbor Fire Department of Sag Harbor, New York, marked a momentous occasion that very few fire departments in our country have achieved. Since 1803 the volunteer firefighters of Sag Harbor have been answering their neighbors' calls for help. This year they are celebrating their 200th anniversary. Located on the South Fork of Eastern Long Island, The Sag Harbor Fire Department is one of the oldest volunteer fire departments in the nation, the second oldest in the state of New York, and the oldest in Suffolk County. It was chartered on March 26, 1803 and today, 200 years later, it has 165 volunteer members who cover the county with support and protect 5,000 winter residents and 15,000 summer residents in an area of 27 square miles.
These dedicated volunteers operate out of four different stations and comprise five companies: Gazelle Hose Company No. 1, Montauk Hose Company No. 2, Otter Hose Company No. 3, Murray Hose Company No. 4, and the Phoenix Hook & Ladder Company No. 1. The Department also has three special squads: Heavy Rescue, Fire Police and the Dive Water Team.
During the year-long 200th anniversary commemoration, the Department has received proclamations from the Village of Sag Harbor, the New York State Legislature, the New York Department of State and the Fire Association of New York State. I would like to add my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to this outstanding fire department not only for its longevity but also for the dedication of its members. Volunteer firefighters are selfless men and women who risk their lives to protect and provide fire, emergency medical and rescue services to others in their community without financial compensation. Sag Harbor's volunteer firefighters proudly carry on the 200-year-old tradition started by their forefathers--answering the alarm, serving their neighbors and protecting the citizens of Suffolk County.
The Department will officially celebrate this milestone with a week-
long series of events beginning on August 19th that includes a gala parade, fireworks, raffles and the selling of many different souvenirs including a commemorative coin created especially for the occasion.
I invite my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Sag Harbor Fire Department on its 200th anniversary. These men and women represent the best of the volunteer spirit that has built our great Nation.
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