[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 153 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E973-E974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF MOORESTOWN RELIEF ENGINE COMPANY 
                  312'S OLDEST FIRE TRUCK, ``BERTHA''

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY KIM

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2022

  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
100th birthday of Moorestown Relief Engine Company 312's oldest fire 
truck, affectionately known by our district as ``Bertha.''
  Since its acquisition by the Relief Engine Company in 1922, the 
predominantly Ahrens-Fox engine-powered fire truck has been an integral 
part of Moorestown's history and community safety. Throughout its 
nearly 50 years of active service to the Moorestown community, the 
volunteers of Relief Engine Company 312 counted on Bertha when 
responding to major fires, car accidents, and various incidents in 
between.
  Its presence in the community cannot be understated either. The 
engine was so large that the floor of the company's building was found 
to be sagging from its weight. Today, while not in use, the fire truck 
is an attraction for visitors of Moorestown's Relief Engine Company, 
and it holds a place in our history.
  Not only has the Bertha gained recognition by residents in the 
Moorestown area, but the truck has also been recognized throughout the 
region. In the 1980s, Bertha received three first place awards at a New 
York Fire Truck Muster.
  Our volunteer firefighter corps are essential in maintaining our 
safe, secure, and connected community. Bertha remains a symbol of their 
rich history of dedication to us and our families, and it's my honor to 
represent them, this symbol of rich history, and this community.

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