[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 79 (Wednesday, June 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1152-E1153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHATHAM BOROUGH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, 
                   CHATHAM, MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 17, 1998

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department located in Chatham, New 
Jersey on the occasion of their 100th anniversary. This anniversary 
marks the culmination of a long, proud history of providing voluntary 
protection of the lives of the citizens and their property in case of 
fire. The fire department will celebrate this historic centennial with 
a week of scheduled events beginning on June 27, 1998.

[[Page E1153]]

  The department was officially organized on May 7, 1898 and less than 
a week later the Chatham Volunteer Fire Department responded to its 
first fire. Ironically, the fire was at the home of one of its charter 
members. The fire department's original quarters were in the Ryerson 
building which was located on South Passaic Avenue. It is now the site 
of the parking area in front of the post office. In 1959, the present 
firehouse was built on the east side of Reasoner Park.
  In the beginning, the department was composed of two companies, each 
were limited to 20 people. Number 1 Company's members had to live on 
the north side of the railroad and Number 2 Company's had to reside on 
the south side of the railroad. In 1930, the department was reorganized 
into three companies of fifteen members each. Original equipment 
included six hundred feet of hose and two hose carts purchased from 
Madison. The former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad donated a 
rim from a steam locomotive wheel which, when struck with a sledge 
hammer, served as the first fire alarm. It wasn't until August of 1902 
that the firemen were able to purchase a steam fire whistle. The 
whistle was installed at what is now the Borough's water pumping 
station.
  In May of 1924, the Borough installed a Gamewell fire alarm system. 
In 1955, the fire department decided to take advantage of a new system 
offered by the telephone company that involved installing bells in each 
fireman's home. The bell system was replaced in 1966 by a new system of 
radio alerting. Special short-wave receivers were purchased from the 
Plectron Corporation. Today there are 96 fire alarms strategically 
located throughout the Borough.
  One of the most significant milestones in the history of the Chatham 
Volunteer Fire Department was the organization of an Emergency Squad 
composed of firemen from each of the companies in the department. In 
June 1938, the Borough purchased its first ambulance. The Emergency 
Squad remained a part of the fire department until 1951 when it became 
a separate volunteer organization, The Chatham Emergency Squad, Inc.
  Over the years, the Chatham Volunteer Fire Department has acquired a 
reputation as a well equipped, well-trained organization of dedicated 
members who have given long hours of service to the Borough of Chatham. 
Since 1948, the department has initiated several community service 
projects in the areas of fire prevention and recreation. I applaud the 
men and women of the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department who have 
protected the citizens of the Borough against the threat of fire and 
other dangers.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and our colleagues, in 
congratulating the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department for 100 
years of volunteerism and exemplary service.

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