[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 127 (Thursday, October 12, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1753-E1754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EDDYSTONE FIRE COMPANY NO. 1

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2000

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me 
to rise today to congratulate the Eddystone Fire Company No. I for 100 
years of dedicated service to the residents of Eddystone, Pennsylvania.
  The Eddystone Fire Company, chartered on January 29, 1900, was 
actually organized in 1895. Some thirty-six men gathered one January 
evening in 1895, in the old lighthouse hall in Eddystone Village. By 
the time they went home the volunteer fire company had been founded. 
The original by-laws were adopted February 14, 1895 and the first 
officers were elected.
  The first piece of fire apparatus, which consisted mainly of fire 
hose on a hand-drawn reel, was purchased shortly after the group was 
organized. It was housed in the old Town Hall building, on the corner 
of Saville Avenue and 12th Street. As new pieces of equipment were 
purchased during the years they too were housed in this building.
  Early in 1954, a new firehouse was built in the old Town Hall. When 
it was completed, the fire apparatus was moved to its new quarters, and 
the old Town Hall was torn. down to make way for the new borough hall.
  The firefighters of Eddystone Fire Company No. I have an impressive 
record when it comes to fire fighting. The company has fought such 
spectacular blazes as the Boyer Lumber Yard fire, the Eddystone 
Ammunition Plant explosion, the Remington Hotel fire, Tollins Fumiture 
store blaze, the Baldwin Paint Shop fire, the Eddystone High School 
fire and more recently the Sun Oil truck explosion and fire.
  The fire company is a volunteer organization and is on 24-hour call 
for fire, ambulance and water rescue search and recovery services. 
Aside from a modest appropriation from the borough, the fire company is 
supported through the efforts of its members and the Ladies Auxiliary. 
The ambulance service is made up of men and women who are thoroughly 
trained in first aid and now includes emergency medical technicians. 
These services are available to all residents of the borough.
  Today the Eddystone Fire Company is a member of the Ridley Township 
Fire Board, a

[[Page E1754]]

sophisticated network of telephone and radio equipment, which handles 
calls automatically and keeps a record of every alarm called into the 
company. Many in the Borough have a direct alarm hook-up to the 
firehouse which gives prompt notice of a potential industrial fire.
  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have 
dedicated not only their time, but also their lives, to the safety of 
all Eddystone residents as well as surrounding communities. As a former 
fire chief in Marcus Hook, I am aware of the risks firefighters face 
each day, under intense pressure, in life or death situations. Our 
thanks and appreciation can never repay those who put their lives on 
the line to ensure our safety. I am proud to recognize and commend the 
tremendous commitment, courage and dedication of Eddystone Fire Company 
members who continue to reflect the same true spirit in which the 
department was established more than 100 years ago. I am honored to 
rise today to extend my thanks for what the members of the Eddystone 
Fire Company do each day and congratulate them on this milestone 
anniversary.

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