[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING LIBERTY CORNER FIRE COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Liberty 
Corner Fire Company, located in Bernards Township, Somerset County, New 
Jersey which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary.
  The Liberty Corner Fire Company was incorporated on October 17, 1910 
and spent the first 4\1/2\ years organizing and growing prior to its 
activation. On March 4, 1915, during a meeting that officially 
activated the company, 34 members joined what has become a fire company 
exuding bravery and rich in generosity.
  After becoming active, the members needed a firehouse. In June of 
1915, a lot was purchased and one month later construction began. At 
the time of completion, the Liberty Corner Fire Department funds ran 
low, but through the donation from the Bernardsville Fire Company, the 
Company acquired its first fire apparatus.
  Over the years, the Liberty Corner Fire Company joined alongside many 
other departments as they battled fires. The members worked tirelessly 
to not only keep their own community safe, but surrounding communities 
as well. The company often reported to fires in other towns in an 
effort to provide assistance.
  In 1954, it was decided that there was a need for a larger firehouse. 
Realizing the high cost to do so, the members dedicated 7,400 hours of 
manpower to expand the building. By doing so, they were able to save 
over half the cost of the expansion. The building was completed with a 
dedication ceremony on July 14, 1956. On December 10th of that same 
year, the Liberty Corner Fire Company received the Certificate of 
Perpetual Existence.
  The 1980s brought about a boom of residential and commercial building 
in the department's primary service area. With the completion of an 
interstate highway and over 2,000 residential homes built, the demands 
of the Fire Company increased. In response, the Company purchased a 
command vehicle: 1982 Dodge Diplomat. However, the need also arose for 
a new firehouse to keep up with the new construction sizes of modern 
fire apparatuses.
  After a long process of raising funds for a new firehouse, the 
groundbreaking was held in August of 1989. Over a year later, in 
September of 1990, the Liberty Corner Fire Company moved into its new 
home on a 10-acre lot purchased back in 1925. This house boasts a side 
bay with offices and rooms to facilitate day-to-day work at the 
company. On May 4, 1991, a wet down was held to celebrate the new 
firehouse
  In an effort to keep up with rising costs, the company began the 
Santa Fund Drive in 2000. In conjunction with the holidays, the company 
offers parents the chance to have Santa Claus arrive on a fire truck to 
present their child with a gift.
  On March 8, 2007, the members of the Liberty Corner Fire Company were 
presented with a grant from the Fireman's Fund Heritage Program to help 
fund safety equipment. In July of the same year, the company was 
invited to participate in America's Independence Day Parade in our 
nation's capital, Washington, DC.
  In September 2009, insurance agency Lake McVicker, along with the 
Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, awarded the Liberty Corner Fire 
Company a grant for a new thermal imaging camera to replace on its new 
Pierce pumper.
  Today, the Liberty Corner Fire Company boasts an impressive fleet of 
fire trucks and responds to a wide array of emergencies in and around 
their community. The success of volunteer fire departments such as this 
one is vital to the security of millions of Americans.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Liberty Corner Fire Company as they celebrate 100 
years of exceptional service.

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