Building Updates...

Sorry no photographs today, after a week of rain and working it is hard to type on this thing when I can be riding the bike. I traveled to Shippensburg yesterday and photographed the work being done on the new Shippensburg Emergency Services Building, I am sorry but that is just to much to say so from now on I will refer to it as what it is the Vigilant Hose Company Station. Block is being laid and most of the buildings foot print is starting to show. I also got to see the floor plans of the building but like a dumb ass I did not photograph them, maybe next time. As for the WEFR building nothing has been done since I was there last Monday. When I stopped I was informed that the construction company said it was to wet.
I did have a bonus by stopping in Shippensburg yesterday, but you will have to wait until tomorrow morning to see it.

Fire Apparatus

I am out of major incidents for this date so the following article is reprinted in its entirety from the Saturday October 28, 1854 edition of The Shippensburg News.

Fire Apparatus
The Town Council have recently had our Fire Engines repaired, and are now in first rate working order. We hope our Fire Companies will reorganize, as the season for fires is approaching.

Former Borough fire chief enjoys Florida

I am out of incidents for this date so the following article that appeared in the October 17, 1975 edition of the News Chronicle is reprinted here in it's entirety.

A year ago Bob Jones was Borough fire chief in Shippensburg.

Last December, Bob left the Cumberland Valley to become fire coordinator in the county which surrounds St. Augustine, Fla.

Now he has received statewide recognition for the outstanding job he has done improving the fire protection of the rural areas of St. Augustine.

The biggest problem faced when he arrived was a shortage of money to purchase fire equipment. Some of the rural companies had only $200 a year to spend on equipment. Through the use of revenue sharing and the institution of a half-mill tax, Bob has upped the income of his county-wide system to over $200,000 for the next year, and has doubled the number of stations serving the county.

The county-wide system, which is run totally by volunteer help, has been modernized so that fire stations are evenly spaced and each station will act as a back-up unit for neighboring stations which have responded to a fire.

All of this is a lot of activity for one year's work but Bob has not confined himself to administration. He has also branched out into education as well.

Last May, the St. Augustine Technical Center introduced a new fire science school, which was pushed by Bob into becoming a huge successes. The school is certified by the Florida State Fire Standards Council and offers everything from a basic 30-hour course for volunteers to a 200-hour course for professional firefighters.

There is no law requiring such training, but since the school opened, 160 of the county's 200 volunteers, who are under Bob's direction, have taken the basic course.

Another 16 firefighters have enrolled in the course in officer's training, 18 are taking forestry fire fighting, and another 14 are taking radiological monitoring.

Upcoming courses include a seminar in arson detection. About 309 men and women have also taken the certification course to become paid firefighters.

Bob Jones served with the Shippensburg volunteer fire companies for 31 years, and was Borough fire chief for over five years of that time.

He worked for the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company for 28 years, and sold fire equipment for 22 years.

Chief Fire Marshall In Charge Of All Apparatus

On June 2, 1922 the Burgess and Town Council passed an ordinance "Borough Code" Chapter 7, Article 1, Section 6.

RESOLUTION

RESOLVE, by the Burgess and Town Council of the Borough of Shippensburg, Pa. that from and after the date of this resolution the Fire Fighting Apparatus of the Shippensburg Fire Department shall be under the direction and subject to the regulations of the Chief Fire Marshall and the Property Committee of Council, at all times; and resolved further that when calls for aid are received by either Fire Company from country districts or neighboring towns, none of the Fire Fighting Equipment shall be taken out without the consent and under the direction of the Chief Fire Marshall or the Property Committee of Council, and then only when driven and operated by one of the most experienced and competent drivers of the Company whose apparatus is called, and it shall be the duty of the Chief Fire Marshall or the Property Committee of Council to refuse to permit the Equipment to go out until he or they are satisfied that such experienced and competent driver is in charge.
Passed this 1st day of June, A.D. 1922
D. A. Sheaffer, President, Approved this 2nd day of June, A.D. 1922.
J. Mifflin, Burgess
Attest;
Paul B. Noftsker
Secretary of Council

Council Actions On The Fire Department (1972)

The following was taken word for word from The News Chronicle.

For the next six months two companies will respond to every fire in the borough, with the Cumberland Valley Hose Company responding to all borough fires, the Vigilant's to all east of the Penn Central tracks, the West End Fire and Rescue Company to all west of the tracks.

The Shippensburg Borough Council, meeting in regular session Tuesday (May 16, 1972) night in the Municipal Offices, approved this change in assignment of apparatus, effective immediately, on a motion by Dr. George Rae, seconded by John Bonitz and passed unanimously. To make the action effective, the ordinance covering fire company zoning was suspended for six months.

The original recommendation of the Fire Advisory Committee had called for a 90-day trail period, but this on Dr. Rae's recommendation, was increased to a six-month trail period.

For general alarm fires, all three companies will continue to respond.

Final action on recommended purchase of color-coded hose for the companies was postponed until June 6 to get cost estimates on colored and plain hose when a special session is scheduled. Dr. Rae saw no problem on use of adaptors and recommended purchase for the CV's and Vigilant's. The West Enders do not need adapters to convert to National Standard hose it was noted.

Robert Jones, borough fire chief, reported six borough fire calls in April. There were no false fire alarms, he said.

Our Fire Apparatus

The previous two years I posted incidents that occurred in 1972 and 2006, with no more to report on this date the following article appeared in The Shippensburg News on Saturday November 21, 1874.

Our Fire Apparatus

OUR FIRE APPARATUS-The authorities this week had the fire apparatus entirely overhauled, and placed in complete repair. The fire engines have been thoroughly cleaned, and the pumps and suctions placed in the best possible working condition, by J. P. Matthews, a proficient in hydraulic mechanism. Both engines, since repaired, have been tried, and throw water in the most admirable and satisfactory manner. The hose belonging to both engines have been cleaned and well oiled, and are accordingly in the best possible condition. Should a fire occur, no blame can now be attached to the authorities for not having the apparatus in proper order for its extinguishment.

Fire Prevention Past...

I am out of major incidents for the day, the last two years I posted calls from 2006 and 2000. This photograph appeared in The News Chronicle on October 14, 1975. Don't forget to click the photo to make it larger.

Fire Police Unit Reorganized

On October 11, 1940 the Shippensburg Fire Police held a reorganization meeting in the Vigilant Hose Company rooms. Officers were elected and by-laws for the organization were drawn up. The organization was comprised of 10 men from each of the two fire companies. Meetings were to be held the first Monday of every month. Elmer Fleming, Sr. was elected president. A seven-man advisory board was also named consisting of the borough Burgess, chief of police, borough chief and assistant chief, presidents of each of the two companies and the Fire Police secretary/treasurer.

S.G. Breckenridge Elected Borough Chief

On September 28, 1894 a joint committee of the two Hose Companies met and elected S. G. Breckenridge, of the C. V. Hose Co., Chief, and Charles Fridinger, of the Vigilant Hose Co., assistant borough Chief.

Someone asked once before if I have a list of Fire Marshalls and Chiefs in the borough of Shippensburg. That would be a yes and no, the information is in over 100 books I just need to take the time to dig them out and put them in one data base.

I Am Winging It Today People...

Last year I posted an incident that occurred in 1988, I have not completed the database but I believe that to be the only major incident to occur on this date. With that being said I am winging it today with this post. I would like to get back to featuring the Cumberland County Fire Departments that I started a few months ago and detailed histories on the various Shippensburg rigs, I just need time to set down and type things into the computer. Maybe when winter hits I will find that free time once again. There is other things I would like to put up on the blog when I get them ready, like photographs of toy fire trucks made for Shippensburg apparatus, mugs the companies put out for various events and some of the other items like different t-shirt backs over the years.

With those not being ready I thought I would take a page out of Haney’s book and post the headers I have used over the almost two years this blog has been operating. When I first started out I just had text for the header before realizing I could make my own. When I made the first header it had no text because I used that portion of blogger to type in the title. Once I realized that I could make the headers larger I began to include the title as I made it changing the name from fire history to fire and EMS history. In doing this post I found a header I made that I forgot about, so the next one is ready, when I get bored with this one in a few months.

OLD BORO SIREN TO RETIRE SOON

The following article was reprinted in its entirety from the Friday July 27, 1956 edition of The News Chronicle.

OLD BORO SIREN TO RETIRE SOON

There was a bit of kidding around the Vigilant Hose Company firehouse recently when the smoke eaters roared off to extinguish a liquor truck fire in Shippensburg. Be it known that all the boys returned perfectly sober.

The blaze was one for Ripley. No damage was reported by the trucker but the fire siren was damaged. It was stuck, as you remember.

With the alarm blasting away from atop the town hall, Ralph Naugle, Glen Heberlig and Charles Cover had an ear splitting time inside the building trying to receive short wave civil defense messages over the radio. They were listening for instructions to blow the siren for a CD alert. The radio crew was about ready to call out the marines. The situation was getting out of hand.

Somehow the old siren which should have been retired from municipal service long ago was stopped. If anything is seriously wrong with the siren, it’s just too bad. They don’t make parts for the old timer any more.

Some of the confusion connected with the sounding of borough sirens may be ended soon with the installation of a new coded fire alarm horn. Coded signals will be sounded for locations of fires and also civil defense alerts.

New Uniforms and Better Equipment to be Had

SHIPPENSBURG FIRE DEPARTMENT

New Uniforms and Better Equipment to be Had

The following article appeared in The Shippensburg News on Friday July 12, 1907, it is typed here exactly as it appeared in the paper.

Realizing the need of more interest and enthusiasm on the part of our fire department, as well as better regulations and means of extinguishment at times of fire, the Cumberland Valley Hose Company, at a recent meeting, determined to procure new uniforms for their active members. While there may be a few who object to this, as there always are to all projects, we want to say it is one of the first steps. The active working membership of all good fire companies is largely made up of young men; not of old men at least; generally speaking such are in the way. You must have enthusiasm and interest in a fire company as well as in a Sunday school. In order to do this you must get up some attire, simply meeting once a month to heat the secretary read a dry, prosy report, or treasurer the financial statement, will not do this. You must get new young blood into the organization and do something to attract them. Get them interested in the organization. Old men are a good thing in their place. We do not believe, like Osler, they are worn out at 60 years, nut we do not think they are the kind to make active fireman. The uniform is to be a light navy blue, with silver buttons, to correspond with the new uniforms of the Vigilant Hose Company. Then if we disband, the idea is to have them organize under the name of the Shippensburg fire department and thus be able to make some showing among fire companies. If this is done our young men will become interested. When you get young men in these days, aroused and interested, they accomplish wonders. There are no obstacles they cannot surmount.

Combination Wagons And Siren Dedicated

On November 29, 1923, Thanksgiving Day the new ford chemical combination wagons of the Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies were dedicated along with the new town siren. The new siren was placed on a 65-foot tower at the rear of the colored school building on East Burd Street. The firemen paraded around town with their four motorized rigs and the old button hand pulled engine. The Good Will Fire Company of Chambersburg, the town band and the Scotland band joined them. The parade ended at the Cumberland Valley’s station where the dedication occurred. Firemen then held a banquet and smoker in the C.V. fire hall.

The photograph is of the Cumberland Valley’s 1923 combination wagon. Unfortunately I have never seen a photograph of the Vigilant’s 1923 wagon.

Jamie White Appointed Borough Fire Chief

On April 20, 1999 at Shippensburg Borough Council’s regular monthly meeting, council unanimously approved a motion to make Jamie White the new borough fire chief. Jamie replaced Danny Rhinehart and becomes the fifth fire chief appointed by council since the Shippensburg Fire Department was formed in 1970.

Pigpen Destroyed In Southampton Cumberland

On March 13, 1990 in the morning hours, Mud Level Road, Southampton Cumberland. A spark from a cutting torch caused a fire that destroyed pigpen. Firefighters from five companies had the blaze under control in 10 minutes. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Niagara Hook And Ladder Elects Officers

On January 22, 1859 the Niagara Hook and Ladder Company met in the Council House (Vigilant Fire Company building) to organize and elect officers. Those elected were Wm. McLean, President; George F. Cain, Vice-President; D. B. Stevick, Secreatary; H. R. Ruby, Treasurer and Samual Speese and Israel Hykes, Directors.

Hook And Ladder Company Organizes

On January 8, 1891 the Hook and Ladder Company met in the Cumberland Valley Hose Company rooms to permanently organize. Officers were elected including G.F. Walters, President, Dr. J.J. Koser, Vice President, R. W. Hockersmith, Secretary, James C. Fleming, Treasurer and J.G. Hass,l Geo. B. Coover, J.L. Barner and W.A. Lutz, Trustees. This was the beginning of the Keystone Hook and Ladder Company.

Robert Jones Appointed Borough Fire Chief

On January 3, 1972 Robert J. Jones was appointed the first borough fire chief under the new fire code adopted in 1971 establishing the Shippensburg Fire Department. The nine-member fire advisory committee recommended Robert unanimously. Two other candidates applied for the position. The three company chiefs were appointed assistant chiefs.

Keystone Hook and Ladder Gets Truck

On November 26, 1896 along with Thanksgiving Day, the borough celebrated the arrival of the Keystone Hook and Ladder Company’s truck. The truck purchased from the Pioneer H & L Co. in Hagerstown arrived in Shippensburg by rail along with about 30 members of the Pioneer Company. The C.V. Hose Company and Town Band met the delegation on Orange Street and proceeded to parade through town. Once at the Council House speeches were made and the apparatus was housed. The members of the Pioneer were treated to supper at the Sherman House before heading back to Hagerstown on the 9:00 p.m. train.
This is the only photograph I have ever found of the Keystone's ladder truck, it was taken in Hagerstown in front of the Pioneer's building. Additional information on the truck along with the short history of the company will be posted at a later date.

Lumber Yard Building Burns

On November 10, 1995 at 7:14 p.m., the Lumber Yard 42 West Orange Street, Shippensburg. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a 1-1/2-story frame building used to store insulation. Two firefighters were treated and released from Chambersburg Hospital for minor injuries. Damages were estimated at $30,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies battled the blaze.

Part 3 conclusion Alert Fire Company

Most of the information I have on the Alert Fire Company is in this two part article. When did the Alert form? Are they older than the Vigilant's? Those are both good questions, as one old member of the CV's stated the Alert was formed 1830, but from the accounts of the Viggies getting the Hibernia engine it states that a new company was formed and given the old "Rocket" hand engine. I personally believe they were formed in the 1840's after the Vigilant's.

The Alert was disbanded after the incident with there hand engine, but they are not really gone. The Cumberland Valley Hose Company was formed as just that but with many members and great influence from the Alert. Retaining their motto and christening their hose reel in the name of the Alert, to me the Alert is still alive and approaching their 150 anniversary.

The photograph below is obviously not the Alert's hand engine but one very much similar to the one they would have used. Generally two to four men would turn the cranks while other men would pour water from buckets in to tub. The engine was very primitive and not as effective as other hand engine, but it still served it's purpose. Where did this engine come from and when did council purchase it our other questions that could be answered. I believe it was purchased on or around 1817 through contributions from the towns people. If that did occur it could have been used by two other Shippensburg Fire Company's before being placed in the hands of the Alert lads.

While not Shippensburg but related to the subject of long gone fire companies, the Alert in Shippensburg was not the only Alert in Cumberland County. In the 1800's there was an Alert Fire Company in Carlisle also.