Firefighters Battle Attached Garage Fire

On December 31, 1998 at 3:30 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 7925 Nyesville Road, Greene Township after a neighbor spotted a fire in an attached garage. The garage was well involved when firefighters from five companies arrived. Firefighters had the blaze under control in 15 minutes but not before it destroyed the garage, a business van, car and other items. The house sustained water and smoke damage. A cause or damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

WEFR Places 1968 Engine In Service

On December 30, 1977 at 7:00 p.m. the West End Fire and Rescue Company placed into service a 1968 CF Mack engine. The engine was purchased from the Cresson Fire Department. The unit replaced the 1949 Ford that was recently sold to Baker Heights Va. Volunteer Fire Company.

In the photo Mike Martin is in the officers’ seat, I don’t know who is driving. In the CV ALF behind, Dale Myers Jr. is on the officers’ seat and David Myers is standing in the jump seat.

Barn Destroyed And Livestock Lost

On December 29, 1949 at 5:00 p.m. an alarm of fire was sounded for a barn fire at the Harry Vaughn residence, Shippensburg R. R. 1. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a bank barn and its contents. Lost in the fire were three horses, a bull, two pigs, several chickens, all the machinery and most of the year’s crop. Damages were estimated at $5,000. The Vigilant Hose Company operated at the scene.

Fire Damages House Near Lurgan

On December 28, 1977 at 3:33 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to a house fire near Lurgan. A fire of undetermined origin caused heavy damage to the second floor and attic of an occupied 2-1/2-story frame house. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

We should be all caught up, thanks to stealing wireless from someone here in the park over the last week. The WEFR patch pictured was their first. I would like to tell you more about it but no one seems to remember it. It is owned by Budd Montague and he kindly left me photograph it.

Barn Destroyed In Southampton Cumberland

Sorry I missed a day, we spent the last couple of nights on Disney property and would you believe that with all they charge if you want Internet it cost extra, I am to cheap for that. With that being said I really didn't want to miss a post so I will do the 27Th and 28Th today.

On December 27, 2002 at 10:00 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a barn fire on McCulloch Road, Southampton Township. A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed a barn and its contents. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Green House Destroyed

On December 26, 1924 at 6:30 a.m. an alarm of fire was sounded for the Hargleroad Bros. Green House on South Prince Street. An overheated furnace caused a fire that destroyed a boiler shed, storage shed, garage and three green houses. Even after the fire firemen remained on the scene assisting the owner. Damages were estimated at $5,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene.

Barn Fire On Christmas Day

The Vigilant Hose Company Christmas photograph is from 1959.

On December 25, 1985 at 2:15 hours as volunteer firefighter were recuperating from a large holiday meal a box was sounded for a barn fire on the Ridge Road in Hopewell Township. An electrical short caused the fire the did considerable damage to the barn and its contents. Over 100 firefighters from eight companies battled the blaze for two hours before bringing it under control. Firefighters managed to save the barn after removing 30 tons of hay and straw. Units remained on the scene for almost 10 hours ending their Christmas plans. Damages were estimated at $30,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

West Wing Of White House Damaged By Fire

Because so many local firefighters work for the DCFD and a number of you look at this site, this post if for you.

December 24, 1929 at 8:09 p.m., while President Hoover was entertaining guest a blaze broke out in the West wing of the White House causing an estimated $60,000 to $100,000 in damages. At 8:09 p.m. box 1-5-7 was transmitted for the White House, by 8:28 p.m. four-alarm had already been transmitted. It was said that at one point 25 to 30 streams were being played on the fire by the 18 engines, six trucks and one rescue to respond to the alarm. The fire was determined to be under control at 10:55 p.m. Almost 300 off duty firemen were recalled to man the reserve apparatus.

Unattended Candle Causes House Fire

Vigilant Hose Company Christmas 1941, note the size of the tree and the lack of the annex.

On December 23, 1978 evening hours (exact time unknown) 302 West King Street. An unattended candle sparked a fire that did heavy damage to an occupied 2-1/2 story multi-family dwelling. The fire started in the first floor causing heavy damage before extending to the second floor and attic via the outside of the house. The attic was gutted and one bedroom on the second floor suffered fire damage. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm. Shippensburg firefighters worked another job earlier in the day on East King Street.

GE Gets Contract For Civil Defense Radios

On December 22, 1954 Cumberland County commissioners awarded a contract to GE for the county’s new Civil Defense two-way radio system. The contract was to provide for three base stations, 65 mobile units, 21 receivers to trip fire sirens simultaneously, two selective call control panels, 35 weather proof boxes and two walkie talkies. GE’s low bid was $38,051.47. Delivery and installment is to start within 30 days and be completed in 60 days.

Firemen Make Multiple Rescues

December 21 1932 at 6:00 a.m. M. L. Beistle Building (G.C. Murphy Store), King and Earl Streets. A fire of undetermined origin broke out in the basement of the three-story brick taxpayer (292 X 65 feet). It was believed the fire began when the motor of the elevator ignited a gas leak in the basement. The blaze started on the Earl Street side of the basement, burned up the stairway and raged along the west wall before spreading to the King Street side of the building.

Upon arrival firemen were faced with the task of controlling the fire and seeing that the tenants of 32 apartments were out of the building. Firemen assisted numerous people from the building some from the rooftop. As firemen began connecting to plugs in the 6-degree weather the water pressure began dropping indicating a need for assistance. The Good Will pumper from Chambersburg was soon requested. The Good Will engine was sent to the branch stream where they drafted to supply their deluge gun (Shippensburg had none at this time). At this point there were five engines flowing ten streams of water onto the fire. The Cumberland Valley Fire Company of Chambersburg was requested later in the morning to assist with pumping and to supply much needed gas masks.

Firemen had the blaze under control by 1:00 p.m. At one point the water was shut off to allow the hoses to be disconnected to let the P.R.R. train to pass through town. Numerous firemen were injured battling the blaze; some were overcome by smoke and others from exposure. Temperatures only warmed up to 20-degrees as the day went on. The 65 firemen manning the three pieces of equipment from the Chambersburg Fire Department returned to Chambersburg at 6:30 p.m. Firemen remained on the scene late into the night, some pumping the six feet of water from the basement of the building.

Businesses damaged by the blaze were Whorley’s meat market, Over’s poolroom, the Town Stationary, G.C. Murphy’s, G. Herman’s Grocery, R. Paul Smith’s meat shop and 32 occupied and vacant apartments. During the fire Harrisburg City Fire Chief Millard M. Tawney and former State Fire Marshall William Morgan were on the scene to render their assistance in battling the blaze. Damages were estimated at $100,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Shed Destroyed In Accidental Fire

On December 20, 1997 at 1:00 p.m. units were dispatched to Alleman’s Furniture Store, 54 Horst Avenue, Greene Township for a structure fire. An accidental fire destroyed a small shed containing furniture and lacquer. Damages were estimated at $8,000. The West End Fire and Rescue and Vigilant Hose companies assisted at the scene.

Hopewell Township Home Burns

On December 19, 1987 at 8:10 a.m. a 51 box was alerted for a fire in a dwelling on Rt. 696, 1-1/2 miles north of Newburg in Hopewell Township. A gas light overturned and started a fire in the first floor kitchen and quickly spread to the second floor. Approximately 50 firefighters from five companies had the fire under control in 30 minutes but not before it destroyed the kitchen and second floor bedroom. The entire house suffered smoke damage. Firefighters shuttled water from a creek one half mile away. Damages were estimated at $30,000 to $40,000. Firefighters remained on the scene until after 10:00 a.m. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene. Shippensburg firefighters also answered two other structure boxes and a transfer for the day.

Garage Destroyed In Borough Blaze

On December 18, 1934 10:30 p.m., Shippensburg firemen were alerted for a fire at the Charles Myers residence on Queen Street (exact location unknown). A garage containing a Ford Roadster was destroyed in a fire of undetermined origin. A damage estimate was not released. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Congratulations to WEFR Chief Randy O'Donnell on his recent promotion at the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire and Emergency Services, Mechanicsburg. Pa. (Cumberland Engine 37). Captain O'Donnell hired on at the Navy in 1987 (then SPCC) and has worked his way up the ranks to Battalion Chief. Good luck Randy.

Chambersburg Elementary School Destroyed By Fire

On December 17, 1973 at 3:57 a.m. a passing motorist spotted a fire in the Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School, South Main Street, Chambersburg. When firemen arrived the fire had control of the void spaces, about 20 firemen were inside the building when the blaze broke through the roof. All were evacuated and a defensive stance was made. Fireman manning 35 pieces of apparatus from 14 fire companies had the fire under control by 4:30 a.m. and remained on the scene into the afternoon. For you young guys Chambersburg still operated with five companies at this time, each having there own chief and a volunteer chief of department, John Shatzer. The building was destroyed in the blaze with damages estimated at $650,000. The West End Fire and Rescue and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene.

For those that look at my sites expecting to see post made in the morning you can thank mother nature for the late entry. We have been without power since yesterday morning and just got it back a couple of hours ago. We relocated to the Embers last night, and their wireless this morning was so slow that I was not going to attempt to make a post. Shane and I headed to Borders for coffee and wireless only to find out you have to pay for the wireless there, being cheap and all I said no way. Things are looking up, 5 years, two months and one day and I can retire and leave the cold.

Vigilant Hose Purchases First Tank Truck

December 16, 1949 at the Vigilant Hose Company’s regular monthly meeting the members voted to purchase a 1949 International, 1,000-gallon tank truck. The tanker was a demonstrator and purchased from the American Equipment Company in Mechanicsburg, Pa. for $7,000 and the 1936 Reo Seagrave engine (October 16, 2007 post w/photos). The tanker was the company’s first and made its rounds in the area before heading to Florida. The Vigilant’s sold the rig to Marion Co. 8, Franklin County Pa. and from there it went to WEFR and then to Silver Springs Co. 31 in Cumberland County.

The photo is from microfilm of the News Chronicle, Shippensburg. It is the only image I have found of it as a Vigilant unit. I have better photos of it while in the possession of Marion and WEFR and will post them at a later date. If any one has any photos of it during its stay at Sliver Springs I would like to get a copy.

Mobile Home Damaged By Fire

On December 15, 1981 at 3:36 a.m., units were alerted to a Station 4 box at Rife’s Mobile Home Park, 2004 Philadelphia Avenue, Greene Township for a mobile home fire. The fire started in an unused bedroom and gutted that room and extended to two other rooms before being controlled by firefighters from three companies. Firefighters operated on the scene for one and one half hours. A cause was not determined; damages were estimated at $2,500. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene.

Fire Damages Upper Strasburg House

On December 14, 2000 at 12:34 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to 10,726 Upper Strasburg Road for a house fire. A four-year-old boy playing with matches sparked a blaze that caused extensive damage to a 1-1/2 story house. The fire damaged a bedroom and kitchen and caused smoke and water damage to the remainder of the home. Firefighters from six companies battled the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.


Pat Shoop sent the photograph for today's post. Pat said the photo was taken in 1969 when he was one year old. I would assume his father, long time Vigilant member Mick took the photo. Pat is sitting on Buzzy Naugles lap in the radio room, KGD 556 located in the Municipal Building (Vigilant Hose), Shippensburg. Pat also sent four other photos that I will use at a later date. Thanks Pat.

Downtown Shippensburg Threatened By Fire

On December 13, 1869 at 5:00 p.m. Shippensburg fire bells rang for an alarm of fire. As firemen ran to the fire stations it was soon learned that the fire was located on East Main in the area of Railroad Street and that all hands would be needed to extinguish the blaze. The Vigilant’s with their button hand engine and two wheel hose reel and the CV’s with their Philadelphia style hand engine and two wheel hose reel quickly raced along Main Street to the scene. The blaze started in a small frame stable by a burning wad shot from a gun. The fire quickly spread to the east, west and north. Before firemen could control the fire the stable of origin was destroyed along with another stable, a warehouse containing grains and feed for a store, a corn crib and hog pen. One other stable also suffered fire damage along with numerous other buildings. Damages were estimated at $3,650. The Vigilant and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

House Built In 1867 Damaged By Fire

On December 12, 1969 at 3:15 a.m., an alarm of fire was sounded for Shippensburg R.D. 2, South Newton Township for a house fire. A blaze caused by a defective chimney damaged a dwelling built in 1867. Firemen from three companies were able to contain the blaze to one room on the second floor and the attic of the 12-room house. The attic was used to store antiques and most were lost in the fire. A damage estimate was not available. Firemen remained on the scene over six hours. The Vigilant Hose Company Stations 1 & 2 and the West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

This add appeared in the Shippensburg News Chronicle in 1972. WEFR sold trees for years at various locations.

21-Month-Old Boy Dies In House Fire

On December 11, 1971 at 1:28 p.m., firemen were alerted for a house fire four miles west of Newville, Newville R.D. 2. Arriving firemen found a well-involved house. By the time firemen from three companies had the blaze extinguished all that was left standing was the chimney. A 21-month-old boy was killed in the fire. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company Stations 1 & 2 assisted at the scene.

Oakville’s Farmer’s Exchange Store Damaged In Fire

December 10, 1936 at 10:00 p.m. firemen answered an alarm of fire at the Farmer’s Exchange store and Newton Grange Hall in Oakville, North Newton Township. An improperly installed furnace caused a fire that badly damaged a first floor store and extended upwards to the Grange Hall before firemen were able to contain it. Firemen from Shippensburg and Newville had the fire under control in 30 minutes. Damages were estimated at $600. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene.

One Story Workshop Damaged In Morning Fire

December 9, 1984 at 10:51 a.m. firefighters were alerted for a building fire at 9803 Olde Scotland Road, Southampton Franklin. A faulty stovepipe sparked a fire that caused heavy damage a one-story frame workshop. Firefighters from four companies operated on the scene for over two hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

In the photograph AC 15 Jeff Washinger is kneeling at the door, Mike Harlow is on the far right on the roof and Brad Myers is on the far left of the roof. I can’t remember who any of the other individuals are in the photo.

Salvage Yard Burns In Lurgan Township

December 8, 2003 1:22 p.m., Hostetter’s Salvage Yard, 12475 Roxbury Road, Lurgan Township. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a large 50 by 100 foot building that housed high rack storage for automotive parts and other salvaged items. Firefighters encountered multiple explosions and were forced to go to defensive operations 10 minutes from arrival. In addition to the building an old Lance candy truck and three separate piles of tires outside the building caught fire. Firefighters from nine companies operated on the scene for over four hours. Firefighter laid 6,200 feet of five-inch hose to the nearest water supply. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Rudolph’s Residence Burns Again

December 7, 1879 at 2:00 a.m. Shippensburg firemen again responded to the Henry Rudolph residence at Main and Penn Streets for a building fire. Just five days prior the bakery and residence suffered a devastating fire; all the undamaged goods were placed on the second floor of the residence that was not affected. All of those belongings were destroyed in this fire. Firemen drew water from the same well and cistern they used to fight the first fire. Local officials believe the fire was intentionally set. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.

The photograph is of the West End Fire and Rescue Company's award recipients at their annual banquet held on December 7, 1991, three of these individuals are still active in the SFD. Like the Vigilant photo from 1981 I will let you name the players.

Family Of Three Die In House Fire

December 6, 1976 at 11:26 p.m., Rt. 616 four miles South of Shippensburg, Southampton Township Franklin County. A short in an outside fuse box sparked a fire that destroyed an occupied 2-½-story frame house and killed the family of three. The fuse box was old and designed for 60 amp fuses but had 120 amp fuses installed. More than 60 firemen from four companies battled the blaze for four and a half hours. Firefighter found the three victims in a line on the second floor apparently heading away from the fire. Neighbors attempted to gain entry by were driven back by the heat and smoke. According to Chief Wiestling firefighters were putting water on the fire seven minutes from the time of the alarm. Damages were estimated at over $25,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm. The West End Fire and Rescue Company also ran a trash fire and an auto accident the same day, the C. V. ambulance had four other runs.

Jackson “Fireman Jack” Gerhart

On December 5, 2004 Jackson Gerhart, 65, died of his injuries at 5:17 p.m. at York Hospital. Jackson was injured on November 30 while helping the Chambersburg Fire Department at the scene of a house fire. Jackson was surrounded by his family and friends in his final hours.

Jackson had dedicated his life to the fire service having started his career as a volunteer with the Junior Hook and Ladder Company in Chambersburg. Jack was employed by the Chambersburg Fire Department for about two years before being hired in Washington, D.C. as a fireman where he worked for 32 years (most as the driver on 17 engine) before retiring in 1994. While in D.C. Jack was the secretary of IAFF Local 36 for 17years.

While living in Maryland Jack was active with the Mt. Rainier Volunteer Fire Department and the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department serving as Assistant Chief and Deputy Fire Chief. After retirement Jackson returned to Shippensburg where he was an active volunteer with the West End Fire and Rescue Company and the Cumberland Valley Hose Company.

Jackson was a member of many other volunteer fire companies in the area including a life member of the Fayetteville, Pleasant Hall, Metal Township, West End Fire and Rescue and New Franklin Volunteer Fire Companies.

Jackson had a major impact on the careers of many young firefighters in the area, assisting them in getting career jobs and mentoring. Jack loved to help people and assisted numerous fire companies in getting started or anything else they needed. He was also very active in his church and delivered meals on wheels.

Jackson was well known for his large collection of fire toys. He loved photographing fire apparatus and assisted in numerous publications and books.

On a personal note Fireman Jack was my best friend and mentor and I miss him very much, he left a void that I can never replace. I still feel like I should call him every time I purchase a new toy just to hear him say "I know I got mine yesterday". When I purchased my Ward LaFrance Jack got out all the equipment he thought I might need and had it waiting like a kid at Christmas. Jackson loved Wards and was very excited that I got one, below he sits in the drivers seat of DCFD Engine 17's Ward in the 60's and delivering the old CV's 1937 Ward to the New Franklin Fire Company. Jackson owned that Ward for a few years and was instrumental in getting it back in Shippensburg. He would have loved driving that engine around now. God Bless Jackson and save a seat for me in your new firehouse.

A different article and other photographs can be found at my other site http://bradleymyersphotography.blogspot.com/

Bedroom Gutted In Mobile Home

On December 4, 1992 at 3:29 p.m., a box alarm was alerted for 39 Town Mills, Shippensburg Township for a mobile home fire. A fire of unknown origin gutted a bedroom and caused extensive smoke damage to an occupied mobile home. Approximately 25 firefighters had the blaze under control in 10 minutes and remained on the scene for about one and a half hours. Three people were displaced. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

HELLO IS ANYBODY OUT THERE? I know people are looking at this site but no one has anything to say, you all do any other time. That can't be right, I am around firehouses all the time and the men are as bad as the women maybe worse. I made a post about Brother Jackson a couple of days ago and no one has anything to say about him. Hell yes I am very disappointed.

WEFR International Engine Destroyed In Accident

December 3, 1980, at 3:20 p.m. a rescue assignment was dispatched for Route 696 and I-81 overpass bridge Southampton Franklin for a fire engine overturned. The West End Fire and Rescue Company’s 1973 International/Bruco engine (15-2) was involved in an accident destroying the unit. The engine went out of control and left the road before flipping onto its roof on the bridge, Engine Sergeant Charles Westcott was confined to the cab and was extricated by firefighters. Westcott along with driver Ronald Elliott and firefighter Randy O’Donnell were all treated and released from Chambersburg Hospital. My father and I were the first on the scene and I remember well looking at a pair of bunker pants laying out on the bridge like half of someone was still in them. It was a great relief when we looked in side. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Fire Causes Heavy Damage To Rudolph’s Bakery

December 2, 1879 at 1:00 a.m. a fire broke out in Henry Rudolph’s bakery and residence situated on Main Street in the area of Penn Street. It was believed that a gas heater exploded causing a fire that gutted the interior of the large building. The blaze was first discovered in the rear of the building under the stairwell and extended rapidly through the stairs and a ventilation flue. Both fire engines established water supplies from a cistern and well. Firemen battled the blaze for over two hours before bringing it under control. It was stated “the fire was fought from cellar to garret (attic) with a resistance almost heroic”. Damages were estimated at $5,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene.

Firemen Rescue Three Kids

December 1, 1939 at 7:20 a.m. firemen answered an alarm of fire at the Legion Home and apartments on West King Street. A furnace malfunction in the basement of the Great Atlantic Tea Company sent smoke billowing into the upper floors causing the evacuation of many residents. Firemen wearing gas masks played water on the fire for over an hour before extinguishing the blaze. The fire was confined to the basement with smoke damage to the upper floors. One fireman removed three small kids from a third floor window over a ground ladder. Damages to stock and contents were unknown; damages to the building were estimated at $900. A delay in turning in the alarm occurred when the fire siren would not work and the bells had to be tolled. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.