[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13032]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE DENVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 2006

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Denville 
Fire Department, in the Township of Denville, Morris County, New 
Jersey, a patriotic community that I am proud to represent. On June 27, 
2006, the good citizens of Denville will begin commemorating the 80th 
anniversary of their esteemed fire company with the Fire Department's 
Annual 5 day Carnival.
  In 1926, members of the Denville Athletic Club convened to discuss 
the growing need for fire-protection service for the town's 1200 
residents. On June 26, 1926, the Denville Fire Department's first 
division--the Main Street Company--was officially born, led by 
inaugural chief Benjamin Kinsey. The Department began with more than 20 
men, starting an all-volunteer tradition that continues to this day. 
Among the fledgling department's first purchases was a gleaming 1926 
American La France pumping engine, which today remains one of the 
department's most treasured heirlooms.
  The Denville Fire Department responded to its first distress call on 
August 11, 1926, and capably extinguished a dangerous roof fire. That 
successful operation signaled the beginning of a long history of 
dependable fire protection.
  Since that time, the Denville Fire Department has consistently 
demonstrated its commitment to protecting Denville's citizens, as well 
as providing mutual aid to surrounding municipalities. Currently, the 
department is comprised of three separate divisions--the Main Street 
Company, the Union Hill Company, and the Valley View Company, all of 
which are overseen by Chief John Egbert. Today, the Denville Fire 
Department boasts a membership of 70 volunteers who proudly ensure the 
safety of local residents.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the volunteers of the Denville Fire Department on the 
celebration of 80 years of a rich history protecting one of New 
Jersey's finest municipalities!

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