Bart Gordon

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Nolensville Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic-minded people give freely of their time so that we may 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 Red Boiling Springs 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 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 Rockvale 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 Southeast 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 Riddleton/Dixon Springs 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 fire- fighting tactics, as well as attend seminars where they can obtain the knowledge they need to save lives. Within 1 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 of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Pea Ridge 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 ask unanimous consent that my name be withdrawn as a cosponsor of H.R. 2796.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Putnam County 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 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, intensitifed 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 Rickman 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 Portland 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 Rutherford 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 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 Rock City/Rome 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 West Side 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 Wilson Emergency Management Agency 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 Westmoreland 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, ``There 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 Woodbury 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 Sykes Volunteer Fire Department. These brave, civic minded people giving 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 Smyrna 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 South Side 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 Salem-Blackman 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 homes 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 Watertown 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 Timothy 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 rise in support of this bill. However, I am disappointed that we were not able to reach a compromise on capping the direct lending program. The Clinton administration has been right on the mark for its continued advocacy on behalf of students and their families with respect to education funding. As I, and 25 other Democrats wrote to the President in a letter last week, our focus has rightfully been on title I, Head Start, and raising the level of student aid. However, the preoccupation with the new Federal direct student loan program is dramatically misplaced because direct lending does not increase the level of student aid or the quality of education. Direct lending is simply one administrative mechanism for delivering that aid. It is unfortunate that we couldn't come up with a 40 percent compromise cap on direct lending to allow for a fair test of this new government-run program with the proven guaranteed student loan program. I want to acknowledge the careful deliberation direct lending has received in this Congress and the strong Democratic opposition that has always followed direct lending. In fact, direct lending was pushed through Congress without a committee hearing in the House in 1993 and despite the misgivings of a bipartisan majority of the body. I am confident that the current direct loan program implementation plan could not survive a stand-alone vote in this Congress or the last Congress. We have learned a lot over the last year. The independent and nonpartisan Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance has cited the fact that the Department has risked the integrity of the direct loan program by allowing schools with high defaults and questionable records into the program. We have confirmed that direct lending will add $350 billion in unnecessary borrowing added to the national debt. And we know that there are no plans for the direct loan program to include the kind of risk-sharing on defaults included in the guaranteed student loan program that helps protect taxpayers. Finally, we know--not only from the Congressional Budget Office [CBO] but also from the Congressional Research Service [CRS]--that in an apples-to-apples comparison, the direct loan program does not save tax dollars. Period. A cap on direct lending to do a fair test with the schools currently in the program is more than fair--and is still the right thing to do. A 40 percent cap test period would give the Department of Education time to focus on other management problems, such as the recent backlog in processing the basic financial aid form. I have no doubt that hundreds of individuals at the Department are working hard to solve these problems, but the fact is they have a lot of work to do. This is not the time to give them more responsibility. The best student loan program for the next generation of America's students should include flexible repayment plans that make sense, incentives and risks for loan administrators who must make the program accountable to taxpayers, and improved safeguards in program integrity. The 40 percent compromise on direct lending would have given both loan programs a chance to deliver on these objectives.

Mr. GORDON

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I am taking this opportunity to applaud the invaluable services provided by the Short 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 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 Midway 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.