[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING PHILADELPHIA ENGINE COMPANY 52'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2007

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
the Philadelphia Fire Department's Engine Company 52 on celebrating its 
100th anniversary. Since 1907, a dedicated unit of firefighters has 
served the Wissinoming community in the lower Northeast section of 
Philadelphia from this same location. I am honored to represent them in 
Congress.
  In Philadelphia 271 years ago, Benjamin Franklin established the 
first Fire Department in America. He noted that once a fire was ``cried 
out, active community members would with one mind apply themselves with 
all vigilance and resolution . . . to the hard work of conquering the 
increasing fire.'' From this beginning, he developed societies of 
firefighters to attend to all fires in their neighborhoods. These 
companies formed the basis of the firefighting and fire prevention 
efforts of our city's current Fire Department.
  Engine Company 52, originally known as the Wissinoming Fire Company, 
was dedicated to serving the community along a tributary of the 
Delaware River. Originally housed in a large red brick two-story 
building at Jackson and Van Kirk Streets, the top floor of the fire 
company was the home of the neighborhood school. Behind the building 
was a stable for the horses that pulled the firefighting equipment and 
a tower where fire hoses were hung to drain and dry. As the community 
grew, so did the fire company still known as ``The Fifty-Two's.'' In 
1951, the city built a new firehouse on the site. Today, Engine 52 is 
known as ``Pipeline 52'' because of its large capacity equipment used 
to supply water to other companies when major fires occur; in more 
recent years ``Medic 32'', an Emergency Medical Service unit has been 
added.
  Today, the ``Fifty-Tooz''--as they call themselves--serve a 
residential and business community, protecting the lives of those who 
live and work in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. As in the 
days of Benjamin Franklin, they ``apply themselves with all vigilance 
and resolution,'' as well as dedication and courage, to protect their 
community.
  Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate all of the members of Engine 
Company 52 for their service, dedication and sacrifice. I look forward 
to continuing our work together and ensuring another 100 years of 
success, safety and security.

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