[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12850]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MINQUAS FIRE COMPANY NO. 2

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 2008

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
Minquas Fire Company No. 2 of Chester County, Pennsylvania as they 
celebrate their 100th anniversary of service to our community. 
Organized on April 2, 1908, their countless hours of service and 
dedication are a testament to the brave men and women who strive each 
and every day to keep our communities safe.
   The Minquas Fire Company No. 2 was initially organized at a meeting 
at the Downingtown Opera House. Opening a firehouse shortly thereafter 
in 1909, the Minquas Fire Company No. 2 has been a fixture in the 
community ever since. In 1923, Minquas expanded to provide EMS service 
by creating a separate ambulance committee and ambulance fund and this 
joint company of fire and EMS crews continues to serve the Downingtown 
area today.
   Presently, the Minquas Fire Company No. 2, home to both fire and EMS 
crews, runs approximately 2,700 calls annually and covers portions of 
the Borough of Downingtown and East Caln Township. It also serves the 
surrounding municipalities as needed. Today, the Company is a combined 
company of mostly volunteers and some paid EMS staff. There are more 
than 75 active members running emergency calls under the leadership of 
President and Fire Chief Michael Miller and EMS Captain Joel Swisher. 
The Minquas Fire Company No. 2 will commemorate this great milestone on 
Saturday, June 21, 2008 with a day of celebration.
   Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating 
the brave men and women of Minquas Fire Company No. 2 as they celebrate 
100 years of protecting our communities. We can never thank our first 
responders enough for all their dedication and sacrifice to protect the 
lives and property of their neighbors and the Minquas Fire Company No. 
2 is an exemplary example of unselfish service to others.

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