Recognizing Larry Newman's 40 Years of Service with the Yardley- Makefield Fire Company

Floor Speech

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Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with deep admiration and appreciation to recognize a truly outstanding individual from my district--Volunteer Firefighter Mr. Larry Newman from Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

This year, Mr. Larry Newman is celebrating 40 remarkable years of continuous service with the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company.

Larry's story began long before he ever put on the uniform. As a young child, he would visit the firehouse with his grandfather, who himself was a proud volunteer firefighter. Those early memories and experiences sparked a love for firefighting that never seemed to fade.

After graduating from St. John's University in Queens, New York, in 1969 with a degree in Business and Marketing, he pursued a successful 30-year career in men's fashion. Yet, the call to serve his community never left him. In 1975, he answered that call by joining the Floral Park Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter, which would only be the start of his overall 50-year journey in fire service.

In 1986, after relocating to Yardley, Pennsylvania, Larry joined the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company, where he has served ever since.

Throughout his 40 years with the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company, he has stepped into a variety of roles--most significantly his 29 years serving as President of the Fire Company. His leadership has helped shape the growth of the department to ensure it remains prepared and stays connected to the community it serves.

Larry's impact goes beyond his leadership roles. He has written many successful grants that have helped the Fire Company purchase equipment, such as a High Water Rescue Truck, which has allowed the department to be able to respond more effectively.

He has been frequently honored as a Top Responder, answering more than 400 fire calls in a single year, a testament to his strong dedication. Whether responding to emergencies or representing the Fire Company at schools during Fire Prevention Week and at community events, you will often find Larry behind the wheel of a firetruck, always ready to serve.

Larry Newman's life is a powerful example of what it means to live with purpose. His record of duty, sacrifice, and selflessness embodies the very best of the American Spirit.

On behalf of a grateful community, I offer our deepest appreciation to Larry Newman for his 40 years of extraordinary service. May his legacy of leadership, heart, and heroism continue to inspire future generations of firefighters and public servants for years to come.

I congratulate Larry. We salute him.

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