Message from Se. Joe Biden - Rick Parrett, Jr.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Sen. Biden, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, issued the following statement in conjunction with the Independence Day holiday. Firefighters everywhere appreciate his thoughts. "Soon after it [a fire] is seen and cry'd out, the Place is crowded by active Men of different Ages, Professions and Titles who, as of one Mind and Rank, apply themselves with all Vigilance and Resolution, according to their Abilities, to the hard Work of conquering the increasing fire."- Benjamin Franklin, 1733 Each year, we adorn our communities in patriotic colors to celebrate the birth of our nation and pay tribute to our Founding Fathers. Few of our Founding Fathers had as great an influence on the birth of our nation as Benjamin Franklin, a noted author, philosopher, diplomat, physicist, merchant, and scientist. He contributed immeasurably to the writing of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. When it was his turn to sign the Constitution, Franklin was said to have wept, realizing that Americans would embark on a new journey never before ventured. A famous inventor, his creations were many and included the lightening rod and bifocal glasses. Yet years before Franklin and his revolutionary brethren were meeting to chart the course of a new nation, Franklin was establishing a separate legacy in a way that would have a profound impact on the safety of every American who has come after him. In 1736, Franklin, with a group of like-minded individuals, formed the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the first organized fire company in the colonies. Describing the establishment of this organization, Franklin wrote in his autobiography: “About this time I wrote a paper… on the different accidents and carelessness by which houses were set on fire, with cautions against them, and means purposed of avoiding them. This was much spoken of as a useful piece, and gave rise to a project, which soon followed it, of forming a company for the more ready extinguishing of fires, and mutual assistance in removing and securing of goods when in danger. Associates in this scheme were presently found, amounting to thirty. Our articles of agreement obliged every member to keep always in good order, and fit for use, a certain number of leather buckets, with strong bags and baskets (for packing and transporting of goods), which were to be brought to every fire; and we agreed to meet once a month and spend a social evening together, in discoursing and communicating such ideas as occurred to us upon the subject of fires as might be useful in our conduct on such occasions.” From these humble begins, America’s fire service was born. It was not long before Franklin’s vision spread throughout Philadelphia, and eventually the Colonies. “The utility of this institution soon appeared, and many more desiring to be admitted than we thought convenient for one company, they were advised to form another, which was accordingly done; and this went on, one new company being formed after another, till they become so numerous as to include most of the inhabitants who were men of property...” July 4th is America’s day of celebration. It is a day to celebrate the birth of our nation and the words imbedded in our Declaration of Independence. It is a day that we should proudly display our nation’s colors and show our gratitude to the men and women who serve our country both home and abroad. On the home front, we honor the one million men and women of our nation’s fire and emergency services who stand at the ready, prepared to protect Americans in every community throughout our nation. They are our friends and neighbors, dedicating their lives to the very principles that define our nation. From Wilmington, Delaware, to the Los Padres National Forest in California, these men and women selflessly place themselves in harm’s way. They do this not for honor or distinction, but for the knowledge that their actions will save lives. Some do this as their sole profession, dedicating countless hours to protecting their communities and our homeland. Others – doctors, lawyers, teachers, and construction workers – volunteer their time to serve their neighbors. All sacrifice greatly for their neighbors. They are a few who serve the many, their deeds often going unnoticed. This Fourth of July, as we celebrate the birth of our great nation, let us reflect not only on the contributions of our Founding Fathers; let us also recognize the dedication and sacrifices of those who have come after to protect their fellow Americans, including the men and women of the fire service. We forever owe them a great debt of gratitude. Rick Parrett is president of the BBVFC, where he has been a member since 1987. He has held virtually every line position in the Company, including fire chief for 6 of the past 10 years. He is the facilities supervisor at Sea Colony and lives in Bethany Beach with his wife, Betsey, and their son. Rick can be reached at [email protected].