WEFR’s 1954 GMC Rescue Squad

In December 1962 a committee was appointed to find a new rescue for the company. Sometime between March and May 1963 the company purchased a 1954 GMC from Morningside Fire Company in Prince Georges County, Maryland for an unknown amount of money (Morningside purchased the chassis and had the body built by Gichener Iron Works). When the unit was purchased it was painted white with red fenders. After purchasing the rig WEFR sent the unit to Brumbaugh Company to have work done on it. The Squad also received an all red paint job. It was designated C-109 and Rescue 54. The rescue was placed in service in August 1963. The rig was equipped with a pump, generator, “A” frame and many small tools. After purchasing another used rescue the company put the GMC up for sale in March 1974 for $5,000 to $6,500. It was removed from service sometime between April and November 1974. The company was unable to find a buyer for the rescue and at company meeting March 2, 1976 they voted to sell the rig to a private group from Scotland, Pa. for $1,000. The group used the rig for parts and to haul a race car. I am unaware of the final outcome of the rescue, so if anyone knows please share it with us.

I have not completed all the fire alarm records over the last 160 years but from what is done I can not account for any major incidents on this date.

North Newton Shed Destroyed

On February 28, 1996 at 5:00 p.m. companies were alerted to the 1,000 block of Greenspring Road, North Newton Township for a shed fire. A heat lamp used to keep piglets warm caused a fire that destroyed a 30 by 30 foot shed, killing two pigs, 15 piglets and eight rabbits. Damages were estimated at $10,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene.

Newburg RD 1 House Burns

On February 27, 1958 at 4:00 p.m. firemen were dispatched to Newburg R.D. 1 for a house fire. An overheated stove sparked a fire that destroyed a four-room house displacing a family of two. According to Chief Charles Mour firefighters were delayed some ten minutes in locating the blaze because the caller did not give good directions. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Fire Damages TKE House In Shippensburg Township

On February 26, 1983 at 4:47 a.m. a passing motorist alerted Shippensburg Police to a fire at the TKE fraternity house on Middle Spring Avenue, Shippensburg Township. When firefighters arrived smoke and flames were venting from a window on the first floor side 2 of the structure. An arson fire gutted a first floor room in the 30 by 80 foot two-story brick occupied building. The remainder of the first floor suffered heat and smoke damage and the second floor sustained smoke damage. Firefighters were on the scene almost two hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze.

The CV pancake add appeared in the Shippensburg New Chronicle on February 26, 1972.

CV Hose Gets New Bell

On February 25, 1879 the Cumberland Valley Fire Company took possession of their new fire bell. The bell was cast at McShane’s foundry, Baltimore, Maryland and weighs 300 pounds. The inscription on the bell reads: “C. V. Fire Company, organized Jan. 1859, Ever Ready.” The bell and fixtures cost about $85.00. On March 5 the bell was placed in the belfry.

Firefighters Save Barn

On February 24, 1970 at 4:45 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to Shippensburg Star Route 2 for a barn fire. When firefighter arrived the first floor front area of the barn was heavily involved in fire. An aggressive attack by firefighter kept the blaze from spreading and saved the barn. Water was pumped from a neighboring stream to fight the blaze. The cause was undetermined and a damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company Stations 1 & 2 and the West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm. Just prior to the barn fire the Viggies and West Enders battled a grass fire to the rear of the T. M. Jackson Company on Route 11.

Reed’s Grocery Store Burns

On February 23, 1949 the night manager of the Shippen Hotel noticed a glow in the front windows of the lobby, upon further investigation he noticed a fire in Reed’s Grocery Store, 80 West Kings Street and turned in the alarm for local firefighters at 10:30 p.m. Firemen were on the scene quickly and had the blaze under control in short order but not before fire, heat and smoke damaged most of the goods in the store. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze.

Earl Street Duplex Burns

On February 22, 1981 at firefighters were alerted to a house fire at 31-33 South Earl Street. Upon arrival firefighter found smoke showing from a 2-1/2-story duplex. The blaze started in the first floor hallway on the 31 side and spread to the second floor of both sides before being brought under control. Firefighters operated on the scene for two and a half hours. The State Police Fire Marshall ruled the blaze arson. Damages were estimated at $10 to $15,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Birthday wishes go out to the Vigilant Hose Company for turning 165 years old today. They were organized on February 22, 1843.

Walnut Bottom House Damaged

On February 21, 2000 at 4:40 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to 42 East Main Street, Walnut Bottom for a house fire. Faulty wiring in a wall between a bedroom and living room caused heavy damage to an occupied 1-1/2 story frame house. Firefighters from five companies had the blaze under control in 15 minutes and remained on the scene over two hours. Damages were estimated at $60,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

It just happened by accident that this post was ready for today and the companies worked a job in the 49 box overnight on Wagner Road, just off Ritner Highway for a house fire. I get hits on here everyday from a few people from Walnut Bottom if you would like to comment on the Wagner Road fire.

Arsonist Sets Fire To Council House

On February 20, 1859 in the afternoon hours someone set fire to the Council House located at on King Street at Normal Avenue (now Prince Street). For those of you not familiar with Shippensburg history the Council house was the home of the Vigilant Fire Company at the time and the borough offices. The blaze was set in the entranceway to a second floor closet. The fire was beginning to make considerable headway before firemen were able to control it. A damage estimate was not available. And no apparatus was damaged. The Vigilant Fire and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm. On the same day an attempt was made to set fire to the School House occupied by Messrs. Reynolds and Richards, but a timely discovery and prompt actions by a group of boys the damage was minimal and the fire department was not notified.

Arson Destroys Chambersburg Church

On February 19, 1995 at 3:51 a.m. Chambersburg firefighters were dispatched to 237 E. Queen Street, the St. Paul United Methodist Church for a building fire. An arson fire destroyed the 200-year-old church that previously escaped the burning of Chambersburg by the confederate soldiers. More than 100 firefighters from 14 companies battled the multiple alarm fire for over three hours before bringing it under control. Damages were estimated at $6 million dollars. The West End Fire and Rescue and the Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene. An individual was later arrested and found guilty of starting the blaze.

Church Of God Orrstown Damaged In Accidental Fire

On February 18, 1923 Landis Reed, sexton at the Church of God, Orrstown had gone to the church to start a fire for the days church services. A section of the pipe fell in the loft starting a fire. Mr. Reed called Shippensburg requesting help and at 10:00 a.m. the CV pumper was dispatched to the scene. Because of the extremely cold morning when the firemen arrived in Orrstown they found that the chemicals were frozen and of no use. The engine pump water from a well until it ran dry and with no other water available in the area the firemen were unable to save the church. Damages were estimated at $3,000. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company answered the alarm.

Lindsey Lot Road Home Gutted

The photograph for today’s post is from the Varsity Shop fire that occurred on February 17, 1969. The incident will appear another year with additional photos and maybe a video.

On February 17, 1987 at 9:56 a.m. firefighters were dispatched to 2347 Lindsey Lot Road, Southampton Franklin for a house fire. First arriving firefighter found heavy fire on the first floor already extending to the second floor and attic. Firefighters from six companies battled the blaze for three and one half hours. The Fire Marshall ruled the blaze suspicious. A damage estimate was not available but the home was destroyed. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

House Damaged Near Roxbury

On February 16, 1956 in the afternoon hours firemen were sent to the Roxbury Road about ¼ mile from Roxbury for a house fire. When firemen arrived they found the neighbors had formed a bucket brigade and were keeping the blaze confined to the second floor of the 2-1/2-story frame house. The second floor of the house was destroyed and the first floor sustained water damage. The cause was not determined and a dollar loss was not given. A family of six was displaced. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Fire Damages Summer Cottage

On February 15, 1983 in the morning hours a passing firefighter noticed smoke coming from a one-story summer cottage on Lindsey Lot Road. An improperly installed wood stove sparked a blaze that caused extensive damage to the 15 by 30 foot 1-1/2 story frame building. Firefighters from three companies had the blaze under control within minutes. A damage estimate was not available. The West End Fire and Rescue and Vigilant Hose companies operated at the scene.

If I remember correctly it was Gerald Holtry that spotted the blaze and I was riding Engine 252 for the job. This was back in the day before rehab and all that other fancy sensitive stuff. These were the types we put out with damp mops backed up with a can. Today we would need a working fire dispatch or additional alarms, along with RIT, and rehab and well you get the point. Sometimes my old headed ways want to come out.

Barn And Contents Destroyed In Morning Fire

On February 14, 1940 at 6:15 a.m. Mr. Varner went to his barn for the morning chores. He hung the kerosene lantern from a spike in the overhead rafters and got hay for the animals, he then left the barn to retrieve corn from the crib returning to find that the lantern had set the barn on fire. The location given in the articles only states that the farm was east of Shippensburg. Lost in the fire were 10 head of cattle, two horses, 11 turkeys, a dog, several puppies and a few chickens. Most of the machinery and feed were also lost in the blaze. A damage estimate was not available. Firemen returned later that evening for a rekindle. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm.

Franklin Heights Garage Damaged By Fire

On February 13, 1927 at 4:30 p.m. neighbors discovered a garage on fire owned by John Ickes on Franklin Heights. Items stored to close to a furnace pipe caused a fire that badly damaged a garage and its contents. Firefighters were able to prevent the spread to other nearby buildings. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

If any one has any old photographs of the Shippensburg Fire Deaprtment or surronding area they would like to share with the site and viewers please send them along and I will put them on. I have gotten good comments from the ones Pat Shoop sent and I have a few more of his to post in the future. Thanks Brad.

Forget-Me-Not Florist Damaged During Snow Storm

On February 12, 1983 at 3:06 a.m. firefighters were alerted to a structure fire at Forget-Me-Not Florist, 211 East King Street. A fire of undetermined origin gutted a third floor apartment injuring three SSC students in the three-story taxpayer. The first floor suffered water damage and three other apartment sustained heat and smoke damage. Firefighters were hampered by 18 inches of snow that recently fell and that some of their manpower and apparatus were operating at a chimney fire with extension on Forge Hill Road. Firefighters were on the scene for three hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene.

Shed Destroyed In Lurgan Township

On February 11, 1979 at 5:00 p.m. firefighter were dispatched to a shed fire off Pa. 433 in Lurgan Township, Orrstown RD #1. A fire that started near a woodstove swept through a 75 by 40 foot shed destroying it and its contents including machinery that was used to make pallets. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene.

Swope’s Used Car Lot Gutted

On February 10, 1972 at 8:20 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a fire at Swope’s Used Car Lot on the Orrstown Road, Southampton Township by a passing motorist that seen the front door of the building fall inwards into the fire. Paint fumes from a car that was painted earlier in the day came into contact with an oil heater that kicked on starting a fire that caused heavy damage to the 1-1/2-story building. When firefighters arrived the building was heavily involved in fire. Multiple explosions were reported causing firefighters to utilize caution. Approximately 100 firefighters from five companies battled the blaze until 11:30 p.m. Besides the building a car, riding lawn mower and tolls were destroyed. Damages were estimated at $30,000. The West End Fire and Rescue, Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

This was the second working fire of the day for the Vigilant’s and West Enders, but that post will be saved for another year.

Two Houses And Numerous Out Buildings Destroyed

On February 9, 1849 at 10:00 a.m. an alarm of fire was sounded for the George Beaver residence on Rail Road Street (today, Earl Street). When the firemen arrived heavy fire was found in the roof of the residence and very strong northwest winds were fanning the flames and causing it to spread rather quickly. Both hand engines were used being supplied by a bucket brigade formed by the firemen and citizens. By the time it was over the house was consumed along with the neighboring home of George Butts and numerous other small buildings. A cause was not mentioned but it was quite common for roofs to be set ablaze by sparks from a passing locomotive in those days. The Vigilant Fire and Alert Fire companies battled the blaze.

I had not planned to post a photograph today but when I got up this morning I felt like a little color was needed. This photograph was sent to me from Pat Shoop. Pat said his dad took the photo in Newville in the early 1970's at a pumping contest. I know most of the people in the photos but maybe someone can help me out with two of them. From left to right Walter "Fuzz" Geratt, Walter Crusey, Tommy Murray, Rick Sanders, and I don't know the names of the last two. They are leaning on the 1950 Seagrave Quad. I can't be responsible for mispelled names, heck I have enough trouble with my own sometimes.

Frank Loses Job At Franklins

This article appeared in the Harrisburg Telegraph on February 10, 1923. Frank, the big bay horse of the Franklin Fire Company (Chambersburg), made his last run to a fire Thursday evening when a chimney caught fire in the vicinity of the firehouse. Yesterday (February 9, 1910) the hose wagon which Frank had drawn for 13 years was taken to a coach shop to be repaired and remodeled for motorization purposes. Frank will be sold

Poolroom Gutted On South Earl Street

On February 7, 1910 at 1230 a.m. a fire was reported in the Charles Bittner Poolroom and cigar store located on South Earl Street. A fire of undetermined origin gutted the interior ruining all the stock and two pool tables. The firemen were on the scene quickly and managed to save the building from total destruction. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Vigilant Hose Receives 1999 E-One Cyclone

On February 6, 1999 the Vigilant Hose Company took possession of their 1999 Emergency One Cyclone II fire engine. The engine carries 500 gallons of water, has a 1500-gallon per minute pump and a class A foam system. The unit cost $293,000. The engine arrived painted red and cream the old company colors. The rig carries the radio designation Engine 152.

The photograph was taken in 1999 in Ocean City, Maryland at the Maryland State Firemen's Convention. Courtesy of www.vigilanthose.com

Oakville Newton Grange Heavily Damages By Fire

On February 5, 1933 at 8:30 p.m. John Dehaven was returning home from church when he noticed smoke and flames issuing from the basement of the Guy Elliott and son general store in Oakville, North Newton Township. The fire of undetermined origin gutted the basement and extended to the first floor before being contained by firemen two hours later. The stock on the first floor was all lost to smoke and water and some smoke damage occurred on the second floor occupied by the Grange. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies were on the scene quickly pumping water from nearby wells cisterns, draining four of them. Damages were estimated at $5,500.

Chambersburg Church Destroyed By Arson

On February 4, 1980 at 4:30 a.m. units were alerted for a fire in the First Church of God, 339 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg. More than 30 pieces of fire apparatus from 14 fire companies battled the blaze for over four hours. At 6:45 a.m. the roof over the three story educational building collapsed. Fiver firefighters were treated and released for various injuries at Chambersburg Hospital. The three-story educational wing was destroyed resulting in $500,000 in damage. The investigation determined the fire to be a result of arson. The Church was one of five arson fires in the area in the last eleven days along with numerous other fires. The West End Fire and Rescue and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene.

For those of you that volunteered in the area in 1980 you will remember we caught allot of work that year especially in the first three months. It was a fun time to vollie with full bunkrooms and extra cots set up. We had people from other parts of the county showing up asking to ride and sleep in for the weekend.

U-Wan-A Wash Frock Dress Factory Destroyed

On February 3, 1940 at 1:00 a.m. Shippensburg Chief of Police E. J. Hunter noticed smoke coming from the U-Wan-A Wash Frock Dress factory at West Garfield and Fayette Streets and turned in the alarm of fire. Firemen were on the scene quickly but by the time they forced their way into the building a steady wind had spread the flames rapidly through the entire structure. The fire of undetermined origin started in the machine room in the southeast section of the building and spread quickly from there. All Shippensburg fire apparatus responded to the scene and obtained their water from the branch stream and a plug on Fayette Street but were unable to save most of the business. Several firemen were over come by smoke and treated at the scene by the community ambulance. It took nearly two hours to control the blaze that caused $85,000 in damage and left 294 people temporarily without jobs. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze.

The same building was the scene of two other destructive fires, 35 years before this fire it was heavily damaged while operating as the Metcalfe Company and 60 years before this fire as the Dykeman Grist Mill.

About 15 to 20 years ago one of the local clubs in town put out a vhs tape of Shippensburg in 1945. In the tape they recreate the burning of the dress factory. It is really cool as it shows all the apparatus of the CV’s and Vigilant’s leaving their stations and arriving on the scene catching plugs, throwing ladders and flowing water. At one point it has the CV community ambulance put someone on the litter and take them away.

Mobile Home Fire Leaves Family Homeless

On February 2, 1972 at 2:45 p.m. firemen were alerted to a mobile home fire on the Orrstown Road, Southampton Township, Franklin County. An electrical short sparked a blaze that gutted a bathroom and bedroom in an occupied mobile home. The remainder of the house suffered heat and smoke damage. Firefighters from three companies had the blaze under control quickly. Damages were estimated at $6,000. The West End Fire and Rescue and Vigilant Hose Company battled the blaze.

WEFR's second patch used until the present patch was adopted in May 1977. I never found documentation on when they began to use this patch but I would think it was after they adopted the orange and white colors for fire apparatus in 1973.

Fire At J.C. Rummel’s Dry Goods Store

On February 1, 1885 at 7:15 p.m. an alarm of fire was received for the J. C. Rummel Dry Goods Store at 21 West King Street. A fire that started in the area of a heat register over the furnace gutted the storeroom in the three-story brick building. Merchandise not damaged by the fire, suffered smoke and water damage, there was some extension to the second floor. Both hose companies were on the scene quickly playing two streams of water on the fire. The pipesmen of the Cumberland Valley D. W. Boher and Charles Freidinger of the Vigilant Hose fought their way into the burning mass through the heat and smoke, almost suffocating at times, until they reached the heart of the fire and never left their positions until the flames were under control. After one well was pumped dry and two sections of the CV hose burst causing a delay in firefighter a telegraph was sent to Chambersburg requesting assistance. The Friendship steamer was loaded and ready to leave when word was received that the fire was under control at 8:00 p.m. and their services would not be needed. Damages were estimated at $8,000. The Vigilant and Cumberland Valley Fire companies answered the alarm.