[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 80 (Thursday, May 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E948-E949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2008

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
Kutztown Fire Company No. 1 as they celebrate their 100th anniversary 
of service to their community. Organized on January 14, 1908 and 
incorporated on April 1, 1918, the countless hours of service and 
examples of heroism are a testament to the brave men and women who 
strive each and every day to keep our communities safe.
  The Kutztown Fire Company No. 1 was organized on January 14, 1908, 
merging what remained of other smaller companies. It was incorporated 
April 1, 1918, as a completely volunteer fire company, consisting of 10 
officers and 10 charter members.
  During the early years of the company, funds were raised by 
sprinkling the streets of the borough, holding band fairs, renting the 
hall to outside organizations and operating a social quarters.
  On October 22, 1931, the company purchased land adjacent to the Fire 
Dam to build

[[Page E949]]

a swimming pool. The pool has been a source of income and was operated 
solely by the company until 1963 when the Borough Council had a new 
swimming pool erected along the Saucony Creek north of the Normal 
Avenue bridge.
  Today, the Kutztown Fire Company runs approximately 450 calls 
annually and covers 40 square miles, which include residential and 
rural areas, light industrial section, a university and an interstate 
highway. The fire company truck crew has about 50 members which operate 
five pieces, under the leadership of President David J. Reimer Sr. and 
Fire Chief Troy Arndt. The Company will celebrate this great milestone 
on Saturday, May 17, 2008 with an Appreciation Banquet.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 
brave men and women of Kutztown Fire Company No. 1 as they celebrate 
100 years of protecting our communities. We can never thank our first-
responders enough for all their dedication and sacrifices to protect 
the lives and property of their neighbors, and the Kutztown Fire 
Company No. 1 is a proud part of this great history.

                          ____________________