[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DENVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE 
                               DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 13, 2016

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90th 
Anniversary of the Denville Volunteer Fire Department located in the 
Township of Denville in Morris County, New Jersey.
  The Denville Volunteer Fire Department first emerged in June 6, 1926 
in response to a dire need in Denville for a fire-fighting 
organization. The Department is a result of the tireless efforts and 
generous donations of its founding members, most notably Robert G. 
Ellsworth. The organization fought its first fire on August 11, 1926, 
responding to and successfully stopping a roof fire.
  In March of 1927, volunteer laborers finished work on Denville's 
first firehouse, transforming the garage of one of its members into an 
operational department home. By 1935 and following a gift of land by 
the Denville Board of Education, the Denville Fire Department was able 
to establish its own building outside of the garage. Construction of 
the Union Hill Firehouse was completed in early 1958, and following 
another gift of land by the Denville Board of Education, the department 
was able to construct the Valley View Firehouse.
  After a decade and a half of successful growth, the Denville 
Volunteer Fire Department established a First Aid Department in 1940. 
Over the following years, the Department would evolve and expand to 
meet the ever increasing needs of the Denville community. Private 
donations and government funding have been crucial in financing these 
projects.
  By the 1970s, the department boasted a membership of more than 100 
with five fire engines in service at three firehouses. With their ever-
growing group, new construction began on a new facility for the Main 
Street Fire Station in 1973. By the fall of 1974, their completed home 
was open, and is their current home today. Continuing in their growth, 
the department established the Junior Fire Auxiliary in 1983.
  Over the last twenty years, the fire department has continued to 
expand. Every year, they answer approximately 500 fire and 1,000 first 
aid calls and assist nearby departments as they respond to calls in 
neighboring communities.
  In the summer, they hold the annual Denville Firemen's Carnival which 
brings Denville and surrounding communities together for lots of food 
and fun. Other events the department is involved in include the 
Halloween Parade, Santa Run, Rotary Street Festival, and St. Francis 
Fall Festival. The Denville Volunteer Fire Department is a consistent 
supporter of community activities and forging strong neighborhood 
networks.
  The past and present members of the Denville Volunteer Fire 
Department have gone above and beyond their call of duty. From their 
dedication to the safety of their community, to raising funds to 
maintain each fire house, their unwavering and resilient efforts are 
truly commendable. Without the sacrifices of these men and women, the 
safety and quality of life within the Denville community would easily 
deteriorate.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in honoring 
Denville Fire Department for its 90th celebration of service to the 
township and surrounding communities.

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