|
History |
|
THE
BELMONT HILLS FIRE COMPANY
West Manayunk • Belmont Hills
A Brief Timeline |
| |
The year was 1917,
internationally, the eyes of the world were drawn to Europe, and
the beginning of World War1. Locally, a forward thinking civic
group began laying the groundwork for a community fire fighting
service. The community, Belmont Hills, was then known as West
Manayunk. Initially, fires were fought with the assistance of a
hand-drawn chemical wagon. A year later, a horse drawn wagon was
purchased, this allowed the brigade members a little more energy
for actually fighting the fires. By 1919, the West Manayunk Fire
Company had officially been recognized as a township fire company
in Lower Merion, and had appointed its first chief, Joseph Reilly.
In 1920, the parcel of land on South Washington Avenue – the
current site of the Belmont Hills Fire Company – was purchased. In
order to conduct fire company meetings, space was rented at the
nearby Ashland School. Architectural plans for the newly chartered
fire company were made, the Women’s Auxiliary was formed, and the
first motorized piece of fire fighting apparatus was secured. The
year 1926 saw the West Manayunk Fire Station become a physical
reality and, that same year, two modernized La France fire trucks
were housed. A decade later, growing out of its original space,
the fire station was enlarged to its present status.
The name change to the Belmont Hills Fire Company was officially
adopted in the late 1950’s. In the late sixties, due in part to
the proximity of the newly constructed Schuylkill Expressway, in
addition to the need for a township rescue unit, the Belmont Hills
Fire Company was designated as a heavy rescue squad. Since that
time, the fire station has purchased state-of-the-art fire
fighting and rescue equipment. This sophisticated equipment is
only one part of the service rendered by the Belmont Hills Fire
Company. The active brigade members complete the picture, and are
regularly schooled and drilled in the science of fire fighting and
rescue.
Over eighty-five years have passed since the idea of a community
fire service was introduced. The accomplishments and achievements
of the fire company can only be attributed to the resolute
dedication of the brigades-both past and present. |
| |
|
West
Manayunk Fire Company
Circa 1926
|
|
|
|
