Recognizing and honoring firefighters for their many contributions throughout the history of the Nation.

Whereas in 1736 Benjamin Franklin founded the Union Fire Company, the first volunteer fire company;

Whereas there are more than 1,100,000 firefighters in the United States;

Whereas approximately 75 percent of all firefighters are volunteers who receive little or no compensation for their heroic work;

Whereas career and combination fire departments protect 3 out of 4 Americans;

Whereas there are more than 30,000 fire departments in the United States;

Whereas approximately 100 firefighters die in the line of duty each year;

Whereas Congress recognizes that Christopher Nicholas Kangas was a heroic firefighter;

Whereas more than 340 firefighters died responding to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001;

Whereas firefighters respond to more than 24,000,000 calls during an average year;

Whereas firefighters also provide emergency medical services and life safety education; and

Whereas it is estimated that on April 6, 2006, more than 2,000 firefighters will attend the 18th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars: Now, therefore, be it