[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WILLINGBORO FIRE COMPANY AND 
                    THE WILLINGBORO EMERGENCY SQUAD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN H. ADLER

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 13, 2010

  Mr. ADLER of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, in my State of New Jersey, we 
have a rich heritage of local fire companies and emergency responders 
serving our communities, a tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.
  I rise today to honor the Willingboro Volunteer Fire Company and the 
Willingboro Emergency Squad, two separate organizations, which will be 
jointly celebrating their 50th anniversary of service in 2010.
  Originally founded in January 1960, the Willingboro Fire Company 
began as a local VFW group recognized the need for a Fire Company in 
the growing town. Throughout the past 50 years, the Fire Company has 
grown substantially and become a vital institution serving the 
Willingboro community. As the integration of Willingboro was taking 
place in 1969, their Constitution was changed to reflect that race, 
color, or creed would not affect the member's application to join the 
Fire Company. They received their first minority fire fighter, Lt. Ray 
Holden in 1970. Ever since, they began to receive regular applications 
from minority residents who were fully integrated into the Company. As 
the Willingboro community continued to grow, so did the Willingboro 
Fire Company. As of 2005, there were 16 members of the Career Staff, 12 
fire fighters, three captains, and a Chief.
  The Willingboro Emergency Squad started as the Levittown Emergency 
Squad in April 1960, after Mr. Charles Van Kirk, who recognized the 
need for an ambulance service in the growing town, put an ad in the 
paper for people interested in starting a local service. By 1975, they 
had grown to more than 100 members strong to serve what had become one 
of the largest suburban communities in South Jersey. Throughout the 
years, the Willingboro Squad has been considered an innovator at the 
forefront of changes in medical services in Burlington County. They 
were one of the first squads in the area to embrace females and 
minorities, not only as members, but as leaders as well. The 
Willingboro Emergency Services squad continues to serve the community 
with the high-quality, compassionate care that was established in 1960.
  It is my privilege to share some of the history and hopefully some of 
the spirit of the Willingboro Fire Company and Willingboro Emergency 
Squad with my colleagues and with our fellow citizens today. We honor 
their 50th anniversary, and the extraordinary commitment and service 
they represent. Congratulations to all the officers, members and 
friends of the Willingboro Fire Company and Willingboro Emergency Squad 
again, with great respect and with thanks.

                          ____________________