Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 100th anniversary of the founding of the York Fire Department in the town of York, ME. It is an honor to congratulate the dedicated firefighters, past and present, for their skill and courage in protecting their community. The York Fire Department was established in the aftermath of a disastrous fire at a seaside resort hotel on January 26, 1916. At that time, the only fire protection in the town was headquartered at York Beach, some 3 miles away. Although the York Beach firefighters responded valiantly, the distance, winter conditions, and inadequate equipment prevented them from saving the large wooden structure. A town with two distinct and distant residential and commercial districts clearly needed two fire departments, so immediately after the resort fire, the York Village and Corner Ever-Ready Volunteer Fire Company was organized, with Bert Newick as the first chief. Enthusiasm for this new endeavor was so high that one writer observed that ``it seemed as though three-quarters of the town's eligible young men were becoming volunteer firefighters.'' Enthusiasm remains just as high today. York Fire Department firefighters are true volunteers, receiving no compensation for their rigorous training and dangerous duties. In addition to advanced training in firefighting and hazardous materials response, the majority of York's volunteers have EMT or paramedic certification.…”