ENROLLED
2016 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 140
BY REPRESENTATIVE ADAMS
A RESOLUTION
To commend the David Crockett Steam Fire Company Number 1 upon its one hundred
seventy-fifth anniversary.
WHEREAS, the David Crockett Steam Fire Company Number 1 was established in
July 1841 when twenty-seven men of the village of Mechanickham organized to protect their
families and homes from the ravages of fire; it is now the oldest continuously active
volunteer fire company in the United States; and
WHEREAS, today, the department responds within the incorporated city of Gretna
to protect life and property; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the department is the preservation and protection of life
and property from and during such fires as may occur in the city of Gretna, the provision of
assistance to neighboring fire companies when requested to do so, the extension of a
fraternal feeling among its membership, and the providing of assistance in case of any
natural and man-made disasters; and
WHEREAS, the department operates five engines, one rescue, one hose tender, one
ladder, one reserve ladder, one rescue boat, and three all-terrain vehicles out of four stations;
and
WHEREAS, in 2013, the department responded to 295 fire, rescue, public assistance,
and mutual aid requests; and
WHEREAS, the department operates a junior firefighter program for teenagers
wanting to learn about firefighting, and many junior firefighters apply for membership in the
department upon reaching the age of eighteen; and
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WHEREAS, the department's response area has a population of over sixteen
thousand and enjoys a class two fire rating, which provides area residents with a sizable
discount on fire insurance premiums; and
WHEREAS, the department's original fire house, at 205 Lafayette Street, is listed on
the National Register of Historic Places and is home to one of the nation's few firefighting
museums; and
WHEREAS, in addition to its continuing efforts to protect life and property, the
department was known for its parades, in which members, attired in vintage uniforms, would
pull an 1876 steam pumper down the streets of Gretna; and
WHEREAS, on July 1, 2016, the department will celebrate its one hundred seventy-
fifth anniversary and is worthy of high honor and commendation as the oldest continuously
active volunteer fire company in the United States.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend the David Crockett Steam Fire Company
Number 1 upon its one hundred seventy-fifth anniversary and hereby expresses sincere
appreciation to the department for its noble efforts to protect the lives and property of the
citizens of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the chief of David Crockett Steam Fire Company Number 1.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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