[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 9, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING SOMERVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 9, 2010

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Somerville Fire Department, located in Somerset County, New Jersey, 
which is celebrating its 175th Anniversary.
  In 1835, the Somerville Fire Department originated with the creation 
of the Washington Fire Company on the present day site of the Somerset 
County Courthouse yard. The original companies included: Union Fire 
Company No. 1, Jersey Blue Fire Company No. 2, Somerville Steam Fire 
Engine Company No.1 and Steamer Hose Company No. 1. Today, the oldest 
surviving Engine Company is Engine Company No. 1 which was formed in 
1878.
  In 1880, several members of the Engine Company No. 1 realized that a 
hook and ladder truck was necessary to continue serving the community. 
These men resigned to form the Central Hook and Ladder Company. Eight 
years later, in 1888, the West End Hose Company No. 3 was organized in 
response to a citizen's petition for better fire protection on the west 
end of town. This company was formed with past members of the original 
Union Engine Company No. 1 and acquired their apparatus, building and 
grounds.
  Another component of Engine Company No. 1 was a group of young 
firemen, known at the time as the Engine Company Cadets. After a series 
of differences with the older men of the company, the Cadets broke away 
from the paternal organization to form the Lincoln Hose Company in 
1891.
  By 1893, the Somerville Fire Department had placed fire boxes in 
eight locations around the town to better serve Somerville residents.
  In 1916, the West End Hose Company received the first motor apparatus 
of the Somerville Fire Department. Eight years later, the Borough 
provided the Central Hook and Ladder Company with a motorized Seagrave 
truck with a booster tank and a complete set of wooden ladders. Every 
20 years thereafter, the borough provided the company with new 
apparatus.
  Then, in 1969, the West End Hose Company moved from its former 
headquarters on Doughty Avenue to a new firehouse on High Street. Five 
years later, the Lincoln Hose company erected its new headquarters on 
Warren Street at no cost to local taxpayers.
  After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, members of the 
Somerville Fire Department spent weeks in New York City participating 
in the rescue and recovery efforts. Today, the Somerville Fire 
Department continues a long and proud tradition of serving its 
community and surrounding municipalities, when called upon, with mutual 
assistance.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Somerville Fire Department and its firefighters for 
one hundred and seventy five years of dedicated and admirable service.

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