The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN HONOR OF THE LEXINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
______
HON. ANDY BARR
of kentucky
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 17, 2021
Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Lexington Fire Department as they celebrate 150 years of service to the people of Lexington, Kentucky.
Lexington was founded in 1775 and quickly grew from a pioneer settlement into a village. Fire was a constant threat due to the number of wooden structures. The Lexington Fire Company was formed in May of 1790 and became the first fire department west of the Allegheny Mountains. Whenever a fire broke out in the early days of Lexington's history, all the able-bodied men, and oftentimes women, would show up, form a bucket brigade, and attempt to put out the fire. In August of 1871, two large fires destroyed significant portions of the city of Lexington. The Lexington Fire Company was then reorganized and the Lexington Fire Department as it is now known was created on September 7, 1871. The Department grew over the years, adding innovations such as call boxes and fire hydrants. The first horseless engine in Lexington was purchased in 1911. Other innovations included new fire stations, employee physicals, truck mounted radios and first aid. The Department also began to introduce public education and prevention efforts.
Over the 150 years of its existence, the Lexington Fire Department has protected the citizens of Lexington by responding to the threat of property loss, injury, and death caused by fire. The Department has made numerous changes over time to provide the best and most up to date services to meet the changing needs of the community.
Currently, the Lexington Fire Department serves as the Commonwealth of Kentucky's largest fire department. They operate out of 24 fire stations. They have responded to over 304,000 local emergencies in the past 5 years, with a current staff of 597 men and women and a budget of just over $80 million.
In 2018, the Department began its innovative and impressive Community Paramedicine Program, which enables firefighters to take a more comprehensive approach to the care of patients who depend highly on E-
911. This is resulting in saving lives and making a difference for Fayette County residents.
I congratulate chief Jason Wells and all the firefighters of the Lexington Fire Department on their 150th anniversary. It is my honor to remember the history and to recognize the brave men and women of the Lexington Fire Department before the United States Congress.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 161
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up