THE HISTORY OF THE EDGEMONT FIRE COMPANY

In the early 1900's when Edgemont was still a young community, a few public-spirited citizens organized the Edgemont Volunteer Fire Company in 1920. They secured a charter for the Company, despite the fact that their only fire fighting equipment was a "Bucket Brigade". Money raising activities in the form of suppers, fairs, and donations enabled them to purchase an old hand-drawn chemical wagon from the Pleasant View Fire Company in the City Of Harrisburg. This antique equipment had a 500-gallon capacity and was to be the largest of its kind in the country. Practice runs were made, usually on Saturdays and Holidays, in connection with fund raising activities.

A firehouse was built on Highland Avenue to house the hand drawn equipment after it was mounted on a motorized chassis. Items of fire fighting equipment such as axes, fire hooks, hoses, helmets, coats, and boots were contributed by surrounding fire companies.

In order to qualify for financial help from governmental sources, training classes were set up. Qualified fire fighters received diplomas upon completion of the courses, at which time the township began paying their company a larger share of financial aid.

The second piece of equipment, an old American LaFrance pumper, was purchased from a Middletown Fire Company. When a fire occurred in the community, a creek running through the community was dammed and fire hydrants in the nearby area of Penbrook were opened. Water was pumped from these impromptu dams.

In 1965 a new firehouse was built. A few of the fire company members organized a club, which attracted more members and aided the company financially. A Ladies Auxiliary carried on diversified programs including membership drives to create greater community interest. Meanwhile more and better equipment was secured.