Penndel Fire Company History
1911 - 2004

In February 1907 a fire destroyed the store and dwelling of George Apple in the Borough of Attleboro, later to become Penndel. This incident caused the citizens of the town to become aware of the necessity for fire protection. The nearest fire protection would be coming from Langhorne and Hulmeville. Nearly a year passed before real action took place. In February 1908 ten concerned citizens formed a committee and went to the borough council to ask for assistance in having water mains and fire hydrants placed in the Borough. The borough council was most cooperative in assisting with securing funds needed to begin the process. In March of 1908 more citizens wanted to be involved and they all agreed that a fire company was needed so a finance and equipment committee were appointed. In 1909 work started on installing water mains and fire hydrants. Water was introduced into the water mains June 1910.

By this time, the various committees had been hard at work raising money to start up the fire company and in the mean time the Borough of Attleboro changed it’s name to The Borough of Eden. A certificate of incorporation was granted by the Bucks County Court on the 15th of May 1911 and the Eden Fire Company #1 was established. Working only with five hundred feet of two and a half inch hose, a horse drawn hose carriage purchased from Bristol Fire Company #3 and a steel locomotive wheel to alert the firefighters. Mr. Thomas Wessaw was elected the first president of the fire company.

The Fire Company, not having money to erect a building, had no place to keep the equipment. Mr. Fredrick Lentz gave permission to use his carriage house on the corner of Woodland Avenue and Centre Street. The Company later raised money to erect a metal garage on ground donated by the Langhorne Wallpaper Company.

In 1912 the name of the borough was changed to South Langhorne and the fire company changed its name also. In 1917 a lot was purchased on Center Street and a two-story concrete block building was erected. To help defray the expense of the building, concrete blocks were sold at twenty-five cense each to individuals and these blocks were then used in the construction of the building.

In 1922 a Pierce Arrow fire truck was purchased to replace the hose carriage. The next project was to buy necessary fire fighting apparel for the men. In 1926, through the efforts of Chief John Keim, an electric siren was purchased replacing the old steel locomotive wheel to alert the firemen.

Later in 1926 two Model "T" Fords were purchased one as a hose cart and the other carried soda acid tanks. A few years later the Ford trucks were traded in for a new American La France combination pumper.

In 1948 the Borough changed its name to Penndel Borough and the fire company assumed it’s present name of Penndel Fire Company # 1. It soon became necessary to expand with the addition of the new equipment and trucks. In 1948 a lot was secured at the corner of Center and Crescent streets. A new fire station was constructed on this site during 1949 and 1950.

In 1950 a new Ward La France 500 GPM pumper was purchased. In 1954 the American La France combination pumper was traded in for another new Ward La France pumper. Also in 1954 The Ladies Auxiliary purchased and donated a 1942 Chevy 4x4 army truck to the firefighters this was built into a field unit. A two-way radio was purchased to help communicate with the other fire companies.

In 1959 two twin 750 GPM Maxim pumpers were purchased at a cost of $23,000.00 each. Other then ladder sizes and a deluge gun the Maxim pumpers were equipped identically with fittings, hose, and the first Scott air packs were carried on the pumpers. The Maxim’s known as Engine 82 and Engine 83 replaced both Ward La France pumpers.

Shortly afterwards the members reconstructed a donated International truck to fill the needs of a squad truck carrying a generator, electrical cords, flood lights, tarps, Scott air packs, extra bottles and rescue equipment.

In 1962 plans were started on enlarging the fire house and the possible addition of a hall. Construction started in 1964 and the additions were completed 1965. The hall was named after the first president Thomas Wessaw. In 1965 the Company purchased Newtown Fire Associations Ward La France rescue truck replacing the donated International Also in 1965 a 1950 Maxim 65’ ladder truck was purchased from the Edge Hill Fire Company and was known as Ladder 85.

In 1970 the company purchased a new Chevrolet cab and chassis and had a custom rescue body installed this unit replaced the rescue from Newtown and was know as Rescue 84. This unit had seen service in nearly every section of lower bucks county, Philadelphia, and even responded to the Pottstown, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre area during the floods of 1972. The rescue was equipped with a power take off generator, flood lights, air cascade system and rescue equipment for just about any job.

In 1972 the company took delivery of an International / Pierce Mini pumper costing $20,000.00 this was the first of it’s kind in the area and it replaced the 4x4 army brush truck, Unit 81.

In 1973 the company took delivery of a 1000 GPM Hahn pumper equipped with 31/2" supply hose the largest size hose in the area at the time. This truck replaced Engine 83 the Maxim pumper.

In 1975 Middletown Township supervisors agreed to purchase Penndel a new 100’ Maxim ladder due to our central location and the Township’s increasing growth. The new ladder truck cost $98,000.00. It was further agreed that our 1950 ladder would be housed in the Parkland Fire station as a reserve unit. In addition, new mutual aid plans were developed in the Lower Bucks County area thus assuring that there would always be proper fire protection rendered to the public.

In 1979 an old Penndel Police car was given to the fire company and after some donated work it was turned into a Chiefs car.

In 1980 the members constructed a second floor on the fire station adding a meeting room with office space and a recreation room for the firefighters. In 1983 a Ford / Pierce 1000 GPM pumper was purchased at a cost of $109,000.00 and replaced Engine 82 the last of the Maxim pumpers. Also in 1983 Middletown Township purchased new Dodge Diplomat Chiefs car for the fire company. The Diplomat was replaced in 1992 with a new Ford Crown Victoria.

In 1994 a Pierce Rescue / Pumper was purchased at a cost of $375,000.00 to replace the 1970 Chevy rescue and 1974 Hahn pumper. Rescue 8 is equipped with a 1250 GPM pump, 500 gallon water tank two 20 gallon foam tanks, 1500’ of 5" hose, pre-connected Hurst reels, air cascade, generator, light tower, electric cord reels, breathing air reel, ladders and is well equipped with both fire and rescue equipment for just about every job.

Also in 1994 Middletown Township purchased a Ford F350 crew cab pick up to carry man power when Ladder 8 responds to fire calls because the firefighters are no longer permitted to ride in the main ladder.

In 1998 Middletown Township replaced the 1975 Maxim ladder with a Pierce 105’ ladder / pumper "Quint" at a cost of $525,000.00 this unit is equipped with a 2000 GPM pump, 500 gallon water tank, 1000’ of 5" hose, Pre-piped waterway, deck gun, 188’ of ground ladders and fire suppression, ventilation, and rope rescue equipment. The 1994 Ford F350 crew cab pick up truck was turned over to Parkland Fire Company and is currently used as field 9.

In 2000 the Penndel Fire Company began using a computerized fire reporting data base to keep track of equipment use, in service time, emergency reports and other important statistics. The station was also painted inside and out. New gear racks were also installed for the firefighters to hang their turn out gear.

In 2001 the Fire Company Relief Association purchased a Ford F350 utility truck assisted by a $10,000 grant from the State. Identified as Special Service 8 this unit is used to carry firefighters and equipment to and from fires. It’s also certified by the Bucks County Health Department as a QRS unit responding to medical emergencies.

Also in 2001 Middletown Township purchased a new Ford Expedition Chiefs vehicle. The fire company then purchased the 1992 Crown Vic from the Township and use it as a Duty Chiefs car. The car is rotated weekly amongst the Auxiliary Chief Officers and it also transports firefighters to fire school.

In 2002 the Fire Company received a $50,000 grant that was used to assist us in replacing our 15 year old ISI air packs. The new Scott air packs are equipped with the state of the art Personal Alert Safety System, RIT connection, and LED air level warning lights. The cost totaled $106,000.00

In 2003 a committee was formed to look into purchasing a new truck to replace our 20 year old Ford / Pierce pumper. Arriving in October 2004 Engine 8 is a Pierce Enforcer 1250 GPM pumper that was purchased by the Penndel Fire Company at a cost of $370,000.00. The fire company also received a $12,600.00 State grant used to purchase new hose and equipment for the truck.

In 2004 Middletown Township purchased a new Ford Expedition Duty Chief’s Vehicle replacing the Crown Victoria. Also in 2004 a bunk room and shower was added to the second floor of the station allowing firefighters to sleep at the fire house on duty nights and during severe weather reducing response time dramatically.

The Penndel Fire Company has come a long way over the years but one thing remains the same, our dedication to helping those in need. We are always looking for volunteers weather it’s for fighting fires, administrative duties or help with raising funds to be able to purchase new equipment. Please contact us if you are interested.