HR0412 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0412 LRB100 12752 MST 26275 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the Germantown Fire Department on the occasion of its 125th anniversary and recognize its tradition of bravery and dedication; and

WHEREAS, The Germantown Fire Department was chartered on May 2, 1892, almost 60 years after the first settlers founded the town of Germantown; and

WHEREAS, The first 18 members of the department, which included a horse, were all volunteer and relied on a hand-operated pump for fighting fires; and

WHEREAS, The first motorized vehicle the department received was a 1919 Model-T truck which is now part of the Hall of Flame Fire Museum in Phoenix, Arizona; and

WHEREAS, The Germantown Fire Department has always relied on the donations and support of the local community, holding fundraisers, dances, and benefit meals; and

WHEREAS, This support has allowed the Germantown Fire Department to maintain a modern and well equipped force that is often a leader in adopting new firefighting technologies; and

WHEREAS, These technologies have included the first fire department radio system in the county, the first fire department in the region to adopt an automated external defibrillator, and the first department in the county to adopt a "jaws of life" rescue tool; and

WHEREAS, In 1952, the Germantown Rural Fire Protection District was formed to provide a stable funding source for the Germantown Fire Department, though the department still relies on the generosity of the local community to supplement its funding; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, the Germantown Fire Department formed the Explorer Post to educate local youth about fire and rescue services; and

WHEREAS, Currently the Germantown Fire Department has 35 members and six firefighting and rescue vehicles; it responds to 110 calls per year; and

WHEREAS, The Germantown Fire Department maintains its 125-year tradition of sacrifice, dedication, and a commitment to the proud citizens of Germantown; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Germantown Fire Department on its 125th anniversary and we wish it 125 more years of continued operation and dedication to the local community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Germantown Fire Department as a symbol of our esteem and respect.