[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 161 (Friday, September 28, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE MOUNTAIN LAKES JUNIOR FIRE DEPARTMENT'S 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2018

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
Mountain Lakes Junior Fire Department located in the Borough of 
Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
  The Mountain Lakes Junior Fire Department (MLJFD) was first 
established in 1941 to supplement manpower during World War II. It was 
disbanded in 1945 and reestablished in 1968 and has been a strong force 
in the community ever since. The department is made up of high school 
students ranging from 16-18 years in age. Currently there are 22 
members serving in the junior department, with an active waiting list.
  The juniors receive much of the same training as the senior members. 
The juniors drill two to three Sundays a month and they also attend 
monthly senior drills and meetings. The junior department currently has 
four officers: chief, deputy chief, and two captains. The officers are 
appointed by the senior advisors for a one year term. The junior 
officers are responsible for the supervision of the other junior 
members at drills, fires and other emergencies.
  The department presents an annual service award to three graduating 
seniors who have served in the junior fire department. The award is 
named in memory of two long time Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire 
Department members, James Bott Sr. and his son, Robert. The criterion 
for the award is based on attendance at drills, fire calls and other 
department activities. The awards are presented annually at the 
Mountain Lakes High School moving up day ceremony.
  The department also voted to name a special award in memory of 
Firefighter Thomas Taylor. Tom was a long time resident of Mountain 
Lakes and served in the department for 53 years. The recipient of the 
award will be a member of the junior department and selected by the 
junior board of officers.
  On March 25, 2003, a ceremony was held for the Mountain Lakes Junior 
Fire Department for placing first in the 2002 Junior Emergency Service 
Excellence Award sponsored by Volunteer Fire Insurance Service. 
Hundreds of applications were received from junior fire departments and 
junior ambulance squads from across the country. The juniors received a 
$1,000 check, a plaque and were listed as the recipient of the award in 
national fire publications.
  The Mountain Lakes Junior Fire Department serves as a model for other 
departments. The department has been integral in establishing other 
junior fire departments in Morris, Passaic, Essex, and Sussex counties.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in 
congratulating the Mountain Lakes Junior Fire Department, on the 
occasion of its 50th Anniversary.

                          ____________________