[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 100 (Thursday, July 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1554-E1555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATING HAWTHORNE FIRE CO. NO. 2

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 15, 1999

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Hawthorne Fire Co. 
No. 2 on the completion of extensive renovations as its firehouse in 
Hawthorne, NJ. This virtually new structure will enhance the ability of 
the fire company's dedicated volunteers to protect the lives and 
property of community residents in the most efficient and modern manner 
possible.
  Organized in 1910 by 25 Hawthorne residents concerned about the need 
for fire protection in their town, Fire Co. No. 2 is seen nearly a 
century of service. In the beginning, the fire company possessed a 
horse-drawn hose cart purchased by the town, but no formal firehouse. 
Since 1919, the company has been headquartered in a firehouse at 10 
Llewellyn Ave.
  Many changes and additions to the firehouse have been made in the 
past 80 years to accommodate new equipment, functions, and firefighting 
technique. With an increasingly large fleet of fire engines and the 
increasing size of fire apparatus--including a recently purchased 85-
foot ladder truck--it became clear in recent years that a new facility 
was needed, however.
  The fire company launched a $280,000 fund-raising drive coordinated 
by a renovation committee chaired by veteran volunteer Tom Furrey. The 
committee conducted a number of fund-raisers and obtained both a 
mortgage and a loan from the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety to 
finance the project.
  The result is an extensively renovated and enlarged firehouse. 
Additional space, a new

[[Page E1555]]

roof, new heating and air conditioning and floor repairs were among the 
many improvements.
  This weekend, the building will be dedicated with a major celebration 
including a dinner and ceremony to than those who have helped raise 
funds and donated materials and equipment.
  A fire company is more than just a firehouse and fire engines, of 
course, Special recognition goes to Chief Victor Tamburro, Assistant 
Chief Richard McAuliffe and fire company President Richard Garthwait 
for their leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, volunteer firefighters are among the most dedicated 
public servants in our communities. They set aside their own 
convenience--indeed, their own safety--to protect the lives and 
property of their neighbors and ask nothing in return. Volunteer 
firefighters turn out to do their duty in the darkness of freezing 
winter nights and in the heat of suffocating summer days without 
hesitation. The officers and members of Hawthorne Fire Co. No. 2 
deserve our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks. God bless and 
Godspeed to all.

                          ____________________