[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 141 (Wednesday, October 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2003]]
 RECOGNIZING THE PENN WYNNE-OVERBROOK HILLS FIRE COMPANY ON THEIR 75TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize members of the 
Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills Fire Company on the 75th Anniversary of 
their company's founding.
  In the spring of 1928, the Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills Civic 
Association purchased a single, used, chain-drive ``Brockway'' pumper 
truck, recruited a few eager volunteers and began operations out of a 
private garage that is now known as the Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills Fire 
Company. In just a year, the newly formed fire company purchased a new 
``American LaFrance'' pumper truck and installed a roof alert system 
signifying their newfound presence in the local community. In 1931, the 
Board of Directors of the Company purchased land just down the road 
from their temporary home and erected the fire house that remains on 
Rock Glen and Manoa Roads today. The new firehouse provided not only a 
home for their new truck, but also a meeting place and classroom for 
present and future generations of volunteers to train and serve.
  As the community has grown and prospered over the years, so has the 
Fire Company, expanding to three garages for its two pumpers and one 
ladder truck. They have also added sleeping quarters so that there can 
be 24 hour coverage by paid firefighters, as well as making further 
renovations and improvements to the meeting rooms.
  Over the past 75 years, Penn Wynne-Overbrook Volunteer Firefighters 
Brigade and Board of Directors have been examples of exemplary 
governance and planning, as they have served the community with 
dedication, devotion and sound business management. The Penn Wynne-
Overbrook Hills Fire Company is consistently able to update and replace 
old or out-of-date equipment in order to maximize their ability to 
protect the health and property of those that they serve. In 2004, they 
anticipate the arrival of a new rescue truck and personnel carrier that 
is currently being designed.
  The 45 volunteers of this fine company deserve all the support that 
we may offer. They serve selflessly and tirelessly in order to protect 
their fellow citizens and, in the times of uncertainty we face today, 
their heroics are immeasurable. They are citizens just like you and I--
teachers, students, doctors, lawyers, electricians, engineers, police 
officers. The list goes on and on--all willing to make sacrifices to 
ensure public safety. Before a member of this Company even sets foot 
into their first fire, they must undergo 80 hours of training and, once 
completed, the education continues with advanced classes to learn 
vehicle rescue, firefighter rescue, pump operations and so on. As a 
service to the community, they put on demonstrations that educate us on 
how to stay safe in emergency situations. They are an irreplaceable and 
integral part of our community, whether it is raising money for a 
cause, adding to the joy of a local parade or hosting meetings and 
social functions. Clearly, the members of the Penn Wynne-Overbrook 
Hills Fire Company have served proudly and I rise today to recognize 
their service over the past 75 years.
  I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the Penn Wynne-
Overbrook Hills Fire Company on their 75th Anniversary and salute, 
admire and appreciate all the volunteers that have served this 
community for so many years.

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