[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1345-E1346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE MORRIS PLAINS FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 19, 2007

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Morris 
Plains Fire Department, in the Borough of Morris Plains, Morris County, 
New Jersey, a patriotic community that I am proud to represent! On June 
23, 2007 the good citizens of Morris Plains will celebrate the Fire 
Department's 100th anniversary with a parade, picnic, awards ceremony, 
and fireworks.
  In the early 20th century, Morris Plains was a small community within 
Hanover Township and was supported by the Hanover Township and 
Morristown Fire Departments. However, in 1906, the Wise Hotel in Morris 
Plains was completely destroyed before either fire company could 
respond to the call. The incident

[[Page E1346]]

brought to the town's attention the need for local fire protection, and 
on April 25, 1907, in the meeting hall of the Junior Order of United 
American Mechanics on Franklin Place, the Morris Plains Fire 
Association was incorporated.
  The Fire Department's first purchase was an American LaFrance horse 
drawn hook and ladder that was financed from donations from the local 
citizens. Another citizen pitched in by donating his own horse and 
wagon to be converted by the firemen for use as a hose and wagon.
  As the community grew, in 1926, it was decided that Morris Plains 
would break away from Hanover Township to become what is known today as 
the Borough of Morris Plains, also known as the ``community of 
caring.'' In addition, the new Borough government assumed the position 
of maintaining and replacing fire apparatus. The Morris Plains Fire 
Association became the Morris Plains Fire Department.
  In August of 1940, a fire in the roof of the firehouse damaged the 
building beyond repair. The Borough Council had been conducting their 
business in the firehouse meeting room. The Fire Department and Council 
built a shared facility that today encompasses quarters for the Fire 
Department, Police and Borough offices.
  Today, the Morris Plains Fire Department is led by Chief Michael 
Geary who successfully commands an all volunteer fire department of 
about 80 members serving close to 5,250 residents in about a two and a 
half square mile area.
  Madam Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Morris Plains Fire Department and all their 
firefighters, past and present, on celebrating 100 years of protecting 
one of New Jersey's finest municipalities!

                          ____________________