[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19945]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE EAST BRANDYWINE FIRE COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2005

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the East Brandywine 
Fire Company, Station 49, on the occasion of their 50th anniversary.
  The East Brandywine Fire Company has a long and distinguished history 
of improving the quality of life within its community by providing the 
highest quality of emergency fire and medical service. Located in 
Guthriesville, Pennsylvania, the East Brandywine Fire Company proudly 
serves both East and West Brandywine Townships and a portion of Upper 
Uwchlan Township. The Company was formed out of necessity in 1955 when 
two devastating fires broke out and the existing fire companies didn't 
respond in a timely manner. Residents were upset by the slow response 
and decided to take matters into their own hands and form a fire 
company of their own. On April 12, 1956, a charter was drawn and the 
East Brandywine Fire Company had its first monthly meeting.
  Today, the Company consists of 20 plus active members who are always 
on call. The members meet weekly for training and update themselves 
regularly on new fire training and rescue techniques so they can be 
prepared for any emergency situation they may be presented with. In 
total, the Company serves 26 square miles and approximately 14,000 
people. Over the past 50 years, literally hundreds of men and women 
made significant contributions of time and effort to the Company.
  An important asset of the East Brandywine Fire Company is the Ladies 
Auxiliary--an organization that has played multiple roles throughout 
the Company's history. The Auxiliary has brought in thousands of 
dollars by catering banquets, selling antiques, and hosting chicken 
barbeques in the community. Today, there are 90 members, 15 of which 
are active.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the 
East Brandywine Fire Company, Station 49, for their invaluable service 
and contributions they have made to their community over the past 50 
years.

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