[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 83 (Wednesday, June 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE PINE BROOK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT'S CENTENNIAL 
                              ANNIVERSARY

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2013

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Pine Brook 
Volunteer Fire Department, located in Montville Township, New Jersey, 
which is celebrating its Centennial Anniversary.
  In 1913, the citizens of Pine Brook, an area within Montville 
Township, decided to organize a Fire Department to protect their 
community. Using land donated by Abram A. Van Wert, the people of Pine 
Brook built their own firehouse, which is still in use; the only 
changes being the addition of overhead doors and a rear meeting room. 
The people also provided the funds needed to start the fire company 
through donations. With the location and funds in place, the Pine Brook 
Fire Department was able to designate bell codes and zones, and 
purchase their first pieces of equipment; two hand-pulled chemical fire 
extinguishers. Over the following eight months, the Fire Department 
held a number of fundraising raffles, giving away pigs, ponies, clocks, 
and watches. With these funds, they were able to purchase a chassis 
from Republic Truck with two chemical tanks, a 150-foot reel of hose, 
and a small chemical holder and acid receptacle. Two years later, the 
headlights and bumper were purchased. This served the town until 1924, 
when the truck was sold to Hanover, and an American-LaFrance truck was 
purchased in its place. Throughout these early years the Pine Brook 
Volunteer Fire Department provided protection to the towns of Hanover, 
Parsippany, and to the Township of Caldwell.
  Over the coming years, the department struggled to maintain operation 
due to insufficient funds. The citizens were informed that, because of 
their lack of interest and support, the fire department would have to 
be turned over to the Township of Montville. This prompted the people 
to pledge greater support in the future, and the Fire Department has 
since thrived. In later years, the department successfully petitioned 
for a Fire Commission Board, and held elections in February 1937. By 
this time, demand for aid had grown, and a 750 gallon Mack pumper truck 
was acquired. In 1954, the department joined the North Jersey Volunteer 
Firemen's Association, and in the following year joined the Montville 
Firemen's Relief Organization. Around the same time, the population had 
increased to a problematic number; the water supply was unable to cope 
with the fires in the area, and feasible solutions were difficult to 
find. However, in 1955, the department was able to build a special 
1,500 gallon tank truck, the only one of its kind in this area. In 
1965, the department purchased a Mack Diesel Pumper, the second diesel 
fire truck to be delivered in the State of New Jersey. Later, in 1969 a 
Hahn Pumper was purchased, and in 1972 a Telesquirt Pumper was added to 
the fleet.
  Since 1963, the substantial growth has transformed Pine Brook from a 
rural community to an area diverse with industrial, commercial, and 
residential properties, all of which are served by the Pine Brook 
Volunteer Fire Department. This increase caused the department to build 
another fire station on Konner Avenue, which was dedicated and placed 
into service in June 1969. The Township of Montville, recognizing the 
growth, expanded the water system with the installation of water mains 
and hydrants throughout the township in 1970. Later in 1975, plans for 
a new, larger headquarters on Bloomfield Avenue next to the existing 
firehouse began. Two years later, the department was able to operate 
out of the new station. With the increases in demand over the coming 
years, they added a Rescue and Salvage truck, a ladder truck, as well 
as other pumper trucks to their fleet. With the enactment of the 
Uniform Fire Code in 1986 by the State of New Jersey, Montville 
Township established three separate Local Enforcing Agencies, with the 
Pine Brook Fire Prevention Bureau serving under District #3 LEA. To 
meet the new inspection and code requirements, the Pine Brook LEA hired 
a part time Fire Official and Fire Inspector.
  Today, the Pine Brook Volunteer Fire Department has remained an 
important part of community, and adapted to its ever-changing needs. 
The department has kept up to date with its rigs, equipment, and radio 
devices, as well as with volunteer training in fire safety and 
techniques. Due to the efforts of the Pine Brook Volunteer Fire 
Department, a Fire Prevention Bureau ordinance was introduced to the 
Township. Additionally, during Fire Prevention Week, firefighters have 
visited schools and educated children on fire safety for the past 29 
years. After one hundred years, the Pine Brook Volunteer 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 Pine Brook Fire Department as they celebrate their 100th 
anniversary.

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