To conclude, let me express my profound appreciation to my good
friends of the Crisfield Volunteer Fire Company for inviting me to
take part in these dedicatory ceremonies. Let us dedicate this splendid
new building to the happiness and greater security of the men, women
and children of this community.

ADDRESS, ANNUAL SHORT COURSE FOR

FIREMEN BANQUET
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

COLLEGE PARK

September 7, 1961

You may be sure that I was both pleased and honored when I
received the invitation of the Director of the Fire Service Extension
Department of this University to speak at the banquet of the Twenty-
eighth Annual Short Course for Firemen. This training course, to which
firemen come each year to develop their talents, improve their skills and
enhance their knowledge of the art of fire fighting and the science of
fire protection, is an excellent example of this State's continuing concern
for the protection of the lives and the property of its citizens.

I should like to say, first, that it is a pleasure to me, as Governor of the
state and on behalf of the people of Maryland, to extend our hospitality
to the distinguished men who have come here from other parts of the
country as instructors and lecturers and to the out-of-state students who
are here to learn to be better firemen. We hope you have derived both
profit and pleasure from your stay here at College Park. We would be
happy to have you return as often as you can.

During the nearly three decades of its existence, this annual short
course for firemen has grown steadily in scope and stature. Until today,
we believe it to be one of the best of its kind in the country. I know that
President Elkins, Bob Byrus, and the excellent staff of the Fire Service
Extension are proud of this phase of their overall program of fire service
training. Much of the success they enjoy is due to the very generous
support and the very active cooperation they have received from the
Maryland State Firemen's Association, the Maryland Fire Chiefs Asso-
ciation and the other groups and agencies which have been associated
with them in organizing and carrying out the course of instruction here.

Before a group such as this, it is certainly needless for me to emphasize

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