[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3582]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING PACKANACK LAKE FIRE COMPANY

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2017

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th 
Anniversary of the Packanack Lake Fire Company No. 5, located in Wayne, 
New Jersey.
  Beginning in 1942, during the midst of World War II, the Packanack 
Lake community of 500 homes at the time was very concerned about the 
threat of attacks from the Axis powers. Six residents found the need 
for a local fire department in order to provide protection to the 
community. The residents applied for use of Civil Defense equipment. 
With great effort, they were organized as a civil defense unit and 
equipment was allocated. Funds were later loaned in order to purchase a 
truck from a nearby fire company in Mountain View, New Jersey. Over the 
years two more trucks were added; increasing the capabilities of the 
fire company. In 1946, the state of New Jersey passed legislation that 
officially recognized the Packanack Lake Fire and Emergency Squad as a 
fire company, and allowed Wayne Township to allocate extra funds to the 
emergency squad. After several expansions of the emergency squad, the 
need for a fire house emerged. Property was donated by Packanack Homes 
and a two story fire house was built by the volunteer firefighters 
themselves. Materials were gathered from nearby demolished buildings 
and construction was complete by 1948. While construction was nearing 
completion the spouses of the volunteers formed the Packanack Lake 
Ladies Auxiliary who dedicated their time raising funds and supporting 
the fire company. And, the Auxiliary remains very active today!
  Today, the fire company is a prominent entity in Packanack Lake. 
Membership has never been higher and they are now equipped with four 
trucks and one heavy rescue truck. With over 700 calls a year the fire 
company is always utilizing these resources to the best of their 
abilities. From six residents who saw the necessity to protect their 
community, grew a fine fire company who still supports and protects 
their community.
  Like all fire companies, the Packanack Lake Company is more than 
fighting fires. From serving as a safe haven during natural disasters, 
floods in particular, the first to respond to home emergencies, and to 
functioning as a social hub for the community to connect with one 
another, I commend Company #5 for its distinguished 75 years and its 
support of the four other Wayne companies and their mutual aid to 
neighboring towns.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in 
congratulating Packanack Lake Fire and Emergency Squad No. 5 on the 
occasion of its 75th Anniversary.