Gerald R. Ford, Proclamation 4467: National Volunteer Firemen Week… (1976)
“ Throughout America, especially in small towns, communities, and in rural areas, approximately one million volunteer firefighters outnumber fulltime paid firefighters by about four to one.From the beginning of our Nation's history, they have risked, and often sacrificed, their lives fighting fires in their communities with no expectation of financial reward. This unselfish concern for life and property is a manifestation of the best in the American character. ”
