[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CENTRAL NEW JERSEY RECOGNIZES THE JAMESBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT'S 
                           100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2000

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Jamesburg 
Volunteer Fire Department's 100th anniversary. Over the last century, 
the members of this organization have made a tremendous contribution to 
their community by protecting their residents and assisting other local 
departments.
  On March 19, 1900, a special meeting was held at the Jamesburg 
Borough Hall to discuss fire protection in Jamesburg. At this time, the 
Borough had allocated $666 for fire protection. At this meeting, it was 
determined that there was a need to create a permanent organization to 
provide fire protection and prevention in the Borough of Jamesburg; The 
organization was named ``The Jamesburg Fire Protective Association.''
  The next month, arrangements were made for the purchase of a Holloway 
Double Fifty Gallon Tank Chemical Engine for $1,440. Later that month, 
an organizational meeting was held, and 55 volunteers attended to offer 
their services. The name of the organization was changed to ``Jamesburg 
Fire Co. No. 1.'' The first fundraising event was held on May 15, 1900, 
and was a huge success, raising over $100. The same night as the 
organizational meeting, the company responded to its first call--a fire 
that destroyed a local barn.
  To summon the volunteers for a fire call, an alarm system was needed. 
The first was a flange of the rim from a locomotive wheel that was 
sounded by being stricken with a sledge hammer. This system proved 
inadequate and the company purchased a 1,100-pound bell in November of 
1901. The alarm system was electrified in 1914 by placing an automatic 
striker in the bell.
  Starting in 1901, local youth were allowed to assist the department 
by carrying water in pails to the scene of the fire. These youths 
affectionately referred to as the bucket brigade. The tradition still 
exists today in the form of a Junior Membership Program that allows 
individuals between 16 and 18 years of age to join the department and 
learn the skills of firefighting in preparation for becoming certified 
firefighters.
  In 1982, the Borough of Jamesburg formed a fire district, allowing 
the department to receive some funding through a fire tax. Today, the 
Jamesburg Volunteer Fire Department is a completely volunteer staffed 
department that upholds the pride and tradition of their founders. In 
addition to providing fire protection in the borough, the department is 
contracted to respond to calls in Monroe Township and a stretch of the 
New Jersey Turnpike.
  I urge all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
accomplishments of the Kingston Volunteer Fire Company.

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