Bart Gordon

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Hardys Chapel Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Kittrell Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee fire training school in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Granville Co-Op Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Auburntown Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in fire fighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Five Point Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Jennings Creek Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee fire training school in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Hendersonville Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, and well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Lancaster Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School at Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catches fire, well trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for all of us. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer fire- fighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in fire- fighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and wiling to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Lascassas Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in fire fighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Lancaster Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people gave freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catches fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their services and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Mountain Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer fire fighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice-monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in fire fighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give go graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Hilham Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in fire fighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Moss Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These fireman must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in fire fighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the La Vergne Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in fire fighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee fire training school in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catches fire, well trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Mooresville Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer fire fighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in fire fighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Millersville Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well-trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These fireman must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee fire training school in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Muddy Pond Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer fire fighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in fire fighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Pleasant Shade Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in firefighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee fire training school in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Nameless Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer firefighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in fire fighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department. Those brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer fire fighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in fire fighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the New Middleton Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may all feel safer at night. Few realize the depth of training and hard work that goes into being a volunteer fire fighter. To quote one of my local volunteers, ``These firemen must have an overwhelming desire to do for others while expecting nothing in return.'' Preparation includes twice monthly training programs in which they have live drills, study the latest videos featuring the latest in fire fighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within a year of becoming a volunteer firefighter, most attend the Tennessee Fire Training School in Murfreesboro where they undergo further, intensified training. When the residents of my district go to bed at night, they know that should disaster strike and their home catch fire, well trained and qualified volunteer fire departments are ready and willing to give so graciously and generously of themselves. This peace of mind should not be taken for granted. By selflessly giving of themselves, they ensure a safer future for us all. We owe these volunteer fire departments a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.