[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 63 (Friday, May 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E915-E916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING 125 YEARS OF FIREFIGHTING HISTORY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2006

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Madison 
Fire Department in the Borough of Madison, New Jersey, a patriotic 
community that I am proud to represent. On May 20, 2006 the good 
citizens of Madison will celebrate the Fire Department's 125th 
Anniversary with a family picnic.

[[Page E916]]

  The Madison Fire Department was incorporated on May 23, 1881, ``for 
the purpose of protecting life and property from fire''. Prior to this 
time, the Morristown Fire Department responded to their calls for 
assistance. In 1882, the Firemen's Relief Association was incorporated 
``for the purpose of relieving disabled or indigent firemen,'' and the 
first hose cart was purchased.
  The Fire Department was placed under the authority of the Borough of 
Madison Mayor and Council in 1890. After a municipal water system was 
established, a hose cart with 800 feet of hose was purchased for $700.
  In 1903, a new fire headquarters was built at the comer of Central 
Avenue and Cook Avenue. A Gamewell Alarm System was installed 
throughout the Borough of Madison in 1909 and the boxes were in use 
until 1990. In 1935, the Hartley Marcellus Dodge Memorial building was 
dedicated and occupied. Present day fire headquarters are still in this 
building.
  Today, the Borough of Madison's Fire Department Chief is Douglas 
Atchison. He commands 14 paid and 20 active volunteer firefighters, 
serving 16,500 residents in a four-square mile area. Construction of a 
new fire and police facility has begun with an expected completion date 
of early 2007.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Borough of Madison Fire Department and all their 
firefighters, past and present, on the celebration of 125 years of 
protecting one of New Jersey's finest municipalities.

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