Washington, DC - A Congressional softball team has been named in honor of the Owego Fire Department for the second year in a row.  The team, comprised of Capitol Hill staffers, lobbyists, and federal agency employees took the field May 4 to battle other Congressional teams throughout the summer.  Last year, the team finished the season with a record of 9-3 ranking 24th in the 115 team league.

 Many of the team's players helped organize a fundraiser for the department's Training Tower Project in February of 2005 in Washington, DC.  The benefit dinner and concert raised $7,500 for the project and was attended by several lawmakers including Senator Charles Schumer, Reps. Jim Walsh, Sherry Boehlert, Jack Quinn, and current FEMA Administrator Dave Paulison. By naming the team the Owego Fire Department, the team hopes to continue to get the attention of lawmakers and federal agencies.  

 "This league is a good venue to get the Owego name out there.  When other Capitol Hill staffers and agency employees see a request for funding from the department they'll hopefully associate our team with it," said Tom Hammond, Professional Staff with the House Science Committee and the team's third baseman. "Name recognition is key in this business." The department is again seeking federal funding to assist in completing its Training Tower Project.     

 The department began the Training Tower Project in 2000.  To date, $300,000 has been raised through a grant secured by Rep. Maurice Hinchey and local donations.  All plans to transform the McMaster Street site into a state of the art training facility have been completed and the foundation/footers for the burn building have been laid. The facility will be available to all fire and law enforcement agencies in Tioga and surrounding counties once completed. 

 The team was organized and is coached by Owego Firefighter Patrick Gavin.