Recognizing Alpha Fire Company of Centre County

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Alpha Fire Company of Centre County, Pennsylvania.

This year, the Alpha Fire Company is celebrating 125 years of dedicated emergency services to the State College community.

In 1899, a group of volunteers recognized the need within their community to establish a fire company to protect and to serve the region. For the last 125 years, the Alpha Fire Company has remained steadfast in this commitment.

In its early years, the Alpha Fire Company, originally Union Fire Company, used hand-drawn hose carts to fight fires in the few blocks of homes and buildings that surrounded the Pennsylvania State College campus, which had its own student-run volunteer fire company.

Since its founding, the Alpha Fire Company has seen many changes as the community continues to grow. Still, they have continued to provide dedicated emergency services for the past 125 years. This fire company is entirely volunteer based and often includes multiple generations of firefighters. Mr. Speaker, this dedication is what keeps the Alpha Fire Company topnotch.

Currently, there are 100 volunteers, and they handle the four primary municipalities it covers: State College Borough, College Township, Ferguson Township, and Patton Township. It also provides automatic aid to Halfmoon and Harris Townships.

The men and women of Alpha Fire Company are more than just firefighters. They are our neighbors, our friends, and family members. These dedicated volunteers give their time and energy, often balancing demanding jobs and personal responsibilities, to ensure our safety. Their commitment to protecting lives and property is inspiring and deserves our deepest gratitude.

The Alpha Fire Company is more than just a group of fire stations that protect and serve the State College region. It is truly an integral part of the community.

Aside from their lifesaving efforts, these volunteer firefighters make the Centre Region a better place. Whether it be a Fourth of July carnival, a school demonstration, or aiding in a fundraiser, the men and women of the Alpha Fire Company embody the spirit of community service.

Mr. Speaker, this is not the first time I have recognized the Alpha Fire Company on the House floor. In the fall of 2023, an all-woman crew bravely led the initial attack line in a three-alarm fire, making a historic milestone in our journey of service and dedication.

Throughout its 125 years of dedicated service, the Alpha Fire Company has lost three brave men in the line of duty. Philip Foster, Larry Oberle, and Charles Zeigler selflessly laid down their lives to protect the community they called home.

These heroes are not forgotten. The memorial honoring these fallen firefighters in the borough station will forever preserve their memory.

In a time when resources are often stretched thin, volunteer firefighters fill the gap, ensuring that no call for help goes unanswered.

They are trained professionals who bring their skills, courage, and compassion to the front lines, whether it is battling blazes, responding to accidents, or providing essential assistance for medical emergencies.

Over the past 125 years, the Alpha Fire Company has grown and evolved, continually adapting to meet the needs of our community. They have embraced advancements in technology and training, ensuring their brave men and women are prepared to handle any emergency with professionalism and expertise.

I know firsthand the dedication and passion volunteer firefighters have for protecting their communities. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication and passion of the Alpha Fire Company's volunteer firefighters in protecting our neighborhoods.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Alpha Fire Company for their bravery, their service, and their commitment to our community and congratulate them on 125 years of service.

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