[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16064]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING DENVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 24, 2011

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Denville 
Volunteer Fire Department located in Morris County, New Jersey, which 
is celebrating its 85th Anniversary.
  At a meeting of the Denville Athletic Club on June 6, 1926, a 
committee was formed to investigate the terms under which a fire 
department for the Township of Denville could be formed, to research 
the type of fire fighting apparatus most suitable for use and, most 
importantly, the costs involved in the undertaking. At this same 
meeting, the first officers of the Denville Fire Department were 
elected.
  Though the founding members of the fire department were initially met 
with some resistance by the governing body, the persistence of its 
dedicated volunteers paid off. After the township passed the ordinance 
establishing the official status of the department, many volunteers 
offered their garages as home for the first fire apparatus. On New 
Year's Day 1927, the final push was made to finish the structure that 
would be the department's first official home. After furnishing the 
building, complete with a siren, the first meeting was held on March 
22, 1927.
  Through dedicated fundraising and the support of their community, the 
Denville Fire Department managed to keep their facility up and running 
and to acquire the necessary tools to keep the community safe. In July 
1935, the Denville Board of Education gave the department the Old 
School House property on Main Street. The building was demolished to 
make room for a fire house and remains of the structure supplied 
additional material for the department's new home.
  Over the years, many changes came to the Denville Fire Department. In 
1940, the department formed a first aid squad. In April of 1956, it was 
decided that an additional fire house was needed. Construction of the 
Union Hill Firehouse began in early 1957 and was completed by February. 
In 1963 the Denville Board of Education donated a piece of land to the 
Department for construction of an additional firehouse. This would 
become the location for the Valley View Firehouse. Groundwork on the 
structure began on May 8, 1963. The finishing touches were made in 
January and February of 1964.
  By the 1970s, the department boasted a 100 plus membership with five 
fire engines in service at three firehouses. With their ever-growing 
group, new construction began on a new facility for the Main Street 
Fire Station in 1973. By the fall of 1974 their completed, present home 
was open. Continuing in their growth, the department established the 
Junior Fire Auxiliary in 1983.
  Over the last 20 years, the fire department has continued to 
flourish. Recently they acquired a new engine and two new ambulances. 
The 2009 Smeal 1,000 gallon Engine replaced a 1989 ICME 750 gallon 
Engine. The two ambulances replaced the ambulances at Union Hill and 
Valley View Fire Houses. Every year, they answer approximately 500 fire 
and 1,000 first aid calls and assist surrounding departments as they 
respond to calls in neighboring communities. In the summers, they hold 
the annual Denville Firemen's Carnival which brings Denville and 
surrounding communities together for lots of food and fun.
  The past and present members of the Denville Volunteer Fire 
Department have gone above and beyond their call of duty. From their 
dedication to the safety of their community, to raising funds to 
maintain each fire house, their unwavering and resilient efforts are 
truly commendable. With each hour of training with every call answered, 
firefighters give up their precious time to help and protect others.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Denville Volunteer Fire Department as they celebrate 85 years of 
community service.

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