[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 180 (Friday, December 11, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEQUANNOCK ENGINE COMPANY NO. 1

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 11, 2015

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
Anniversary of Pequannock Engine Company No. 1 located in the Township 
of Pequannock, Morris County, New Jersey.
  On April 2, 1915 at the Mandeville Inn, the de facto town hall, a 
formal fire department was proposed. A few weeks later, 13 men had 
signed up to form the organization. Through chowder parties, card 
games, the issuance of $5 bonds culminating in a raffle where the first 
prize was a pig, the fire department had enough funds to purchase a 
barn to act as headquarters. Unfortunately this barn caught fire and 
destroyed much of the fire department's equipment. The volunteers 
rebuilt the firehouse at its current location on Jackson Avenue. Since 
its rebuilding, Engine Company No. 1 has been serving the town without 
pause.
  In 1938, Engine Company No. 1 responded to a call at the First 
Reformed Church of Pompton Plains, one of the oldest churches in the 
nation and one where George Washington prayed with his troops during 
the Revolutionary War. Even without fire hydrants and water mains, 
Engine Company No. 1 was able to save the stone walls of the church. In 
1957, Engine Company No.1 spent a week fighting a fire at the factory 
complex of the Pequannock Hard Rubber Co. in Butler, NJ. The fire 
company has transformed into one that is equipped to handle a multitude 
of disasters. As the world has evolved, Engine Company No. 1 has kept 
pace. With Pequannock's location in the flood plains, the engine 
company is well prepared for flood rescues and evacuations as well as 
heavy rescue situations. Firefighters are also trained to handle 
chemical and biohazard situations.
  Along with training programs geared towards our 21st Century world, 
Pequannock Engine Company No.1 has recently acquired a new 2015 Pierce 
Quint ladder truck and pumper to replace a 20-year-old truck. This 
truck will provide much needed flexibility and will allow the engine 
company to better serve the needs of the town in times when there are a 
limited number of fire fighters available. Engine Company No. 1 has 
continued to rise to the occasion over the years, keeping up with the 
latest training and necessary equipment.
  Pequannock Engine Company No. 1 has been able to maintain a high 
standard with the help of the Pequannock residents. For its 100th 
Anniversary the engine company has planned a ``wet down'' for the new 
truck, and an open house for members of the public.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking and recognizing the 
Pequannock Engine Company No. 1 and its firefighters for 100 years of 
dedicated service to the Township of Pequarmock.

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