[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 143 (Thursday, October 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TEANECK FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 2015

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the brave men 
and women of the Teaneck Fire Department who will celebrate 100 years 
of serving and protecting the residents of Teaneck this Sunday October 
4, 2015.
  The first organized fire company in Teaneck was Defender Hook and 
Ladder Co., which was formed on August 12, 1895. It was not until 1915 
that four of Teaneck's five companies were combined into the official 
municipal Teaneck Fire Department.
  As they were growing in the 1920s, a very tough basement fire 
occurred on Maitland Avenue. Future Deputy Chief Harry Davis, then 
working for the Department of Public Works, made numerous entries 
without a breathing apparatus, manning a 2\1/2\'' line. He passed out 
repeatedly, was revived, and continued to go back in until the house 
was saved. He is a great reflection as to how relentlessly the Teaneck 
Fire Department has attacked fires and how they continued to do so even 
today.
  The Teaneck Fire Department stays committed to self-assessment and 
innovation. Since the 1970s, brush fires have been reduced by 90% and 
building fires declined by about a third, with arson now much less of a 
problem. New apparatuses, the four stations being staffed 24 hours a 
day with an adequate level of staffing, strict proactive code 
enforcement, the advanced municipal fire system, and the aggressive 
fire investigation programs have proven effective in reducing fires.
  Beyond their roles in fire emergencies, the Teaneck Fire Department 
remains committed to serving the residents through their innovative 
Good Morning Check-Up Program. This program is designed for shut-ins 
and senior citizens who live alone and have no one to look in on them 
on a regular basis. The program provides subscribers with a telephone 
call seven days a week, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. If a 
resident is not-responsive to multiple phone calls then a firefighter 
is dispatched to the house to make sure all is well. This service has 
helped countless lives already.
  When terrorists flew planes into the North and South Tower of the 
World Trade Center on September 11, 2011, the brave members of the 
Teaneck Fire Department volunteered to help their colleagues across the 
Hudson River. Their sacrifices during and after the tragedy continue to 
inspire the Teaneck Fire Department today as well as those they serve.
  As Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I have had the 
honor of visiting and inspecting many fire stations throughout our 
great nation. Therefore it gives me pride to recognize the excellence 
of the Teaneck Fire Department and thank them for serving the residents 
of Teaneck.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues and me in recognizing 
the 100 year anniversary of the Teaneck Fire Department.

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