[Congressional Bills 109th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H. Res. 764 Engrossed in House (EH)] H. Res. 764 In the House of Representatives, U.S., April 6, 2006. 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 Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors and recognizes the more than 1,100,000 firefighters in the United States for their contributions to and sacrifice for the Nation. Attest: Clerk.