[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 49 (Friday, April 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E442]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE ROSELAND FIRE DEPARTMENT CENTENNIAL

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 12, 2013

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Roseland 
Fire Department, located in the Borough of Roseland, Essex County, New 
Jersey, which is celebrating its centennial anniversary.
  On July 23, 1913, forty four men of Roseland gathered together in the 
``Band Hall'' with the intent to form a group of citizens to protect 
the town from fires. They adopted the named ``Roseland Volunteer Fire 
Company,'' and elected William Chubbuck as the first Chief. The new 
members adopted a pledge that read, ``We the undersigned citizens of 
Roseland, pledge ourselves to form a volunteer fire company, without 
pay, for a period of one year, to protect life and property of the 
Borough against loss by fire.''
  Helped along by the Newark Fire Department, located slightly over ten 
miles away, the committee was able to assess their needs and request 
funds from the town for equipment. The town council of Roseland 
enthusiastically endorsed the fire company, a ``Thomas Flyer'' engine 
and twenty helmets were purchased. Excited to display their new engine, 
the Roseland Volunteer Fire Company marched along it in the Caldwell 
parade that year, where it ironically caught fire. Though it was later 
repaired, then Chief stated, ``It took a long time to live that one 
down.''
  Despite that initial setback, the Roseland Fire Department 
flourished, purchasing a second and third engine in the early 1920s. 
Engine 3 was in use for 31 years, and is still in possession of the 
department today. In 1922, the department wrote and adopted a 
Constitution and by-laws, reflecting the high standards by which the 
Roseland firefighters live. After moving from a privately owned garage, 
the department moved to a two bay house in May of 1939. In the1980s, 
the Roseland Fire Department moved to its present location at 300 Eagle 
Rock Avenue.
  Throughout the ensuing years, the Roseland Fire Department acquired 
state of the art machinery to ensure the continued safety of the town, 
including the nine vehicles in operation today, as well as radios for 
each officer. Their force of 37 members and cadets serve the residents, 
businesses, and industrial sites around Roseland. Due to the major 
state highway, they also respond to a wide variety of incidents ranging 
from structure fires, car fires, motor vehicle accidents, rescues, fire 
alarms, medical service, electrical fires, and a great deal of mutual 
aid to other Essex and Morris County communities. After one hundred 
years, the Roseland Fire Department continues its proud tradition of 
service, while maintaining a high level of professionalism and 
readiness for any emergencies that may arise.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Roseland Fire Department as they celebrate their one hundredth 
anniversary.

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