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HCR 278

House concurrent resolution congratulating the Vergennes Fire Department on its 150th anniversary

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Birong and 3 co-sponsors

Ceremonial recognition of the Vergennes Fire Department’s 150th anniversary, honoring its history, ongoing service, and nonprofit support, with no new laws or funding.

Ceremonial Reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 278

Summary: H.C.R. 278 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and Intent

  • A House concurrent resolution congratulating the Vergennes Fire Department (VFD) on its 150th anniversary.
  • Recognizes the historical development of firefighting in Vergennes and the VFD’s role in city modernization and public safety.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Acknowledges the origins of firefighting in Vergennes dating back to private sub-mmunicipal hook-and-ladder and hose companies, with formal chartering of the Vergennes Hook and Ladder Company in 1847.
  • Notes the consolidation into a citywide Vergennes Fire Department (VFD) following an ordinance enacted on January 3, 1876, by the Court of Common Council.
  • References a 1878 ordinance reaffirming city commitment to the VFD and establishing a $6.00 annual salary for each firefighter.
  • Highlights VFD’s ongoing equipment updates, support systems, and headquarters over the past 150 years, including the notable blazes extinguished in 1890, 1929, 1958, and 1969.
  • Mentions the private Stevens Hose Company’s reestablishment in 2002 as a nonprofit organization intended to support the fire service, financing additional equipment not currently budgeted by the City of Vergennes.
  • Notes fundraising efforts to restore the historic 1925 Boyer pumper.
  • The resolution does not propose new laws, funding, or regulatory changes; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Vergennes Fire Department (VFD) and the broader Vergennes community.
  • The City of Vergennes’ historical and ongoing public-safety services.
  • The Stevens Hose Company, as a nonprofit auxiliary that supports the VFD’s mission (financial and fundraising activities mentioned).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Presented as a concurrent resolution; last action recorded on 2026-04-30 (On Consent Calendar).
  • The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Vergennes Fire Department Chief David DiBiase.
  • No fiscal appropriations or statutory changes are attached to the measure; its impact is ceremonial recognition.

Additional Context

  • The bill emphasizes the VFD’s long-standing role in the community and frames its 150-year milestone as a symbol of modernization and public service.
  • References to historical dates (1847 charter, 1876 citywide ordinance, 1878 salary ordinance) provide a concise timeline of the department’s evolution.

Bottom Line

H.C.R. 278 is a ceremonial recognition by Vermont’s General Assembly celebrating the Vergennes Fire Department’s 150th anniversary, honoring its historical development, ongoing service, and collaborations with nonprofit supporters. It does not amend law or authorize new spending.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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