On January 9, 1812, the Manheim Fire Department was organized and Articles of Association were formulated. Thus, the first fire company was organized 26 years before Manheim was incorporated as a Borough on April 16, 1838. At this meeting, a small hand engine was purchased from the Union Fire Company of Lancaster, Pa., which in turn had been imported from England in 1754. The inscription "January 9, 1812, Manheim, Pa., Hope No. 1" was placed on this new piece of fire fighting equipment. This piece had been on loan for over fifty years to the Hershey Museum in Hershey, PA., until 1997, when it was returned to Manheim. It is now on display in the firehouse in our museum. This engine was equipped with leather hose in 1812.
In 1836, Manheim Fire Company, No. 2 was organized, and another hand engine was purchased. By August 1836, an engine house was built on Market Square, sufficiently large enough to house both of the engines. The two companies became known as the "Active" and the "Union" fire companies. It was decided by the Borough Council that the "Active" Company should have the part of the engine house which opens towards Prussian Street, and the "Union" Company the part which opens
In 1880, a fire company was organized in the lower part of town and took the name of "Union Fire Company". The Hope Company turned over to them the Globe Engine and some leather hose.
In October of 1885, the Manheim Water Company began service. Forty-eight fireplugs were placed in the borough at a cost to the town council of $2,827.50.
In 1886, an engine and hose house was built by the borough on Stiegel Street and was named the Union Hose House. The Union Fire Engine and Hose Company, which had been dormant for some years, was reorganized and received from the Hope Company a proportionate share of the fire equipment. Borough Council also at this time purchased another hose carriage, which was placed in the Union Hose House. The Union Fire Engine Company then went out of existence in 1894.
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On January 6, 1897, the members of Hope Fire Company voted to purchase a lot of ground on the corner of East High and Wolf Streets. The purpose of this lot was for building an engine house. In 1901, the members deeded this lot to the borough for the purpose of building a council chamber and the hose house. In 1904, the public building and fire station on East High Street was dedicated.
In 1907, the Stiegel Fire Company was organized by citizens living in the lower end of Manheim. After a short, but active, life, during which a chemical fire engine was purchased, the company disbanded.
A hook and ladder truck was purchased in 1910, for $600.00.
From June 30th to July 4th in 1912, a grand celebration, known as "Old Home Week and Hope Hose Company Centennial" was held. The last day of Old Home Week was designated as Firemen's Day and featured a parade and reception to visiting firemen. As a souvenir of Manheim's Old Home Week, the committee, headed by fire company President, A.K. Kauffman, published a booklet of 180 pages.
In 1920, at a borough election, the citizens voted to give Borough Council authority to purchase an American LaFrance engine for $12,500. This was the beginning of our motor-drawn fire fighting equipment. During this same year, an electric fire siren was placed in the tower of the public building. Also, in July, permission was granted by the Borough Council to the fire department to answer fire calls beyond the borough limits. The first "mutual-aid" response was to Lititz.
On July 17, 1921, the first meeting was called in Manheim, by Hope Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1, to organize the Lancaster County Fireman's Association. Fourteen fire companies took part in this. This count has grown from year to year, numbering now over eighty fire companies. On September 21, 1921, the Lancaster County Volunteer's Firemen's Association held its first annual convention in Manheim. Mr. H.H. Shenck, of Manheim, was the first president of the Association, and Mr. Ira Brosey, also a member of Hope Company, was the first secretary.
In 1924, a Kearns fire engine was purchased for $7,800. The cost was met by a contribution of $1,000 from the Borough Council and donations of $6,800 by Manheim citizens and farmers, who would benefit most by this piece of apparatus.
In 1926, a fire alarm switch was installed in the local phone exchange, in order to help citizens to report fires faster.
In 1930, Fire Chief Paul Z. Knier of the Hope Fire Engine and Hose Company, No.1, was elected Lancaster County Fire Marshall by the LCFA. He held this position for fifty years, until 1980, when he retired at the County's Firemen's Convention in Quarryville.
The Fireman's Relief Association of the Hope Fire Engine and Hose Company, No. 1, was organized in 1930, which provides substantial payments to firemen injured while on active duty. Today, we have six directors in our Relief Association.
In 1932, a Reo fire truck was purchased by the fire company with a 250-gallon booster tank and capable of pumping 500 gallons per minute (gpm).
In 1946, the Fire Police of the company was organized.
In 1947, another Reo fire truck was purchased, with a modern 7-man cab installation, capable of pumping 500 gpm, and an 800-gallon water tank.
In 1954, a Seagrave 750 gpm pump was purchased for $18,000.00 to replace the 1932 Reo fire truck.
In 1958, a Metro walk-in truck was purchased for $4,000.00 to carry men and extra equipment to the scene of a fire. This truck was known as the "Squad" truck.
In 1959, the fire department purchased for $46,000.00 and put in to service in 1960 a new Seagrave “Quint”, combination 750-gpm pump and 85-foot aerial ladder. The "Quint" carried 500 feet of 3-inch hose, 600 feet of 2” inch hose, 400 feet of 1-inch hose, and has a 250-gallon water tank. This piece of apparatus was the first cab-ahead-engine in the eastern United States. In February 1976, this truck had the gas engine changed to a Detroit Diesel engine. The aerial truck was purchased in order to better respond to the expanding industry, business districts, the residential areas that consisted of more than two stories dwellings and other buildings. In addition, this unit helped to serve several neighboring communities.
In 1965, another Seagrave pump was purchased for $28,000.00. This was a 1,000 gpm pump with a 500 gallon booster tank, 1,000 feet of 3 inch hose, 1,200 feet of 2” inch hose, 600 feet of 1” inch hose, and 500 feet of 1 inch hose. This piece of apparatus replaced the 1948 Reo truck.
In 1967, the fire department purchased a new 1967 Divco squad truck for $8,000.00 to replace the Metro squad truck. This truck was needed to carry the additional fire fighting equipment that was purchased to improve fire-fighting abilities.
In 1968, the fire department installed the Plectron Alerting System, with 66 radio receivers furnished to active firemen to help answer calls more quickly and more effectively.
In 1969, the fire department saw a need for a larger fire station, and through the cooperation of the Borough and a lot of good firemen, the fire department moved into its present quarters, at the corner of South Main and East Ferdinand Streets. The cost of this project was $133,000.00.
In 1970, a Howe 1,000 gpm pump was purchased to replace the 1954 Seagrave pump for a cost of $33,000.00. This truck had a 500-gallon water tank, 2,000 feet of 2” inch hose, 600 feet of 1” inch hose, and 600 feet of 1-inch hose. This pump was equipped with a Detroit Diesel engine with an automatic transmission, which was the first of its kind in our county.
In 1974, the fire department purchased a 1974 GMC rescue truck to replace the Divco squad truck. This truck carried miscellaneous firefighting equipment, a Hurst tool and Porto-power tool (for vehicle accident extrications), a Stihl saw, medical equipment, rescue ropes and an electrical generator. The total cost of this rescue truck with all of its equipment was $40,000.00.
In 1976, the fire department took delivery of its first tanker truck. Local fuel dealer, Worley & Obetz, donated a 2,600-gallon tank for this truck. The members of the fire company and the maintenance department of Raybestos Manhattan made and installed compartments and the tank on a 1976 GMC cab and chassis. Raybestos Manhattan donated the compartments.
In 1976, the Hope Fire Engine and Hose Company, No.1 was responding to an average of 90 fire alarms per year.
In 1983, the fire department held its first annual raffle of a vehicle at their summer carnival. This first year saw a Chevrolet Chevette given away.
Also in 1983, the fire chief and members saw a need for "large-diameter hose". The company was introduced to 5-inch hose by purchasing 2,000 feet of it.
Late in 1983, the Lancaster County 911 dispatch system changed to its current system of dispatching fire departments by their station number, not their name. This fire department operates under the identification of "Station 2-6".
In June of 1984, the arrival of a new 1984 Pierce Arrow pumper occurred. This engine replaced the 1966 Seagrave pump, and cost approximately $143,000. Features of the new engine include, a 5-man cab, 500-gallon tank, 1500 gpm pump, 3 pre-connected hand lines, and 2,000 feet of 5-inch hose. This piece is known as Engine 2-6-2.
Also in 1984, the hydrants in Manheim were pressure tested by firemen and the tops of the hydrants were painted different colors to show the various pressures.
In January 1985, the fire department purchased its first ever computer system, to aid in recording the fire alarms, financial statistics and administrative notes, such as minutes of the company meetings.
In April 1986, the purchase of a 1987 Pierce Lance pump was approved for approximately $167,000. This engine which includes a six-man cab, 1,000-gallon tank, 1,750 gpm, and 5 pre-connected hand lines was placed into service in August 1987. This piece is known as Engine 2-6-1.
At the same time, an opportunity to purchase a new ladder truck surfaced. A used 1971 GMC-Sutphen aerial truck was purchased for $135,000 and arrived in October. The main feature of this truck is its 85-foot aerial device, which includes a bucket for firefighters to operate from at the tip of it. This is in contrast to the ladder truck it replaced, the 1959 Seagrave, which was an 85-foot straight ladder. The truck has a 1,250 -gpm pump and carries equipment needed for ventilation and overhaul operations. At this time, both the Howe pump and the Seagrave ladder were sold to the dealer of the Sutphen for $18,000 and $30,000, respectively.
One of the biggest fires in Manheim history occurred on January 27, 1987 when the J.H. Brubaker Lumber Yard lit up the early morning sky in the western part of town. Several hundred thousand dollars of damage was suffered, as buildings, vehicles, and inventory were all consumed by this devastating fire. The firefighters battled extremely cold temperatures and inadequate water supply conditions, as they were able to contain this fire from spreading to any adjoining properties.
Throughout the years, the members of the fire department went door to door in its response district collecting coin cards to raise funds. In 1987, the department decided to end this form of fund raising and started in 1988 a new way of raising funds. A fund drive letter was mailed to all households and businesses asking for a donation to be sent back to the fire department. This new method has generated a bigger return of contributions and has saved many hours of work for the firefighters.
In January of 1990, the department took delivery of a new 1990 Autocar Tanker. Tanker 2-6, as it is known, has a 500-gpm pump and a 3,000-gallon tank, and was built by S&S in Indiana.
In February of 1990, the GMC tanker truck was sold for $21,000 to Northeast Fire Apparatus.
Also in 1990, the fire department received the approval of the FCC to operate its own private frequencies, 33.42 & 33.62, in the companies' fire radios. The addition of these frequencies has been a tremendous asset to our company, allowing us to switch from frequencies that are occupied by heavy radio traffic.
For years, the department always refueled its apparatus at fuel pumps located at the rear of the station. However, due to environmental concerns, the underground fuel tanks, some of which were located here when the property was purchased, were removed in August of 1990.
n March 1991, the fire department purchased new Motorola Minitor II pagers to supply to the active firefighters to alert them of fire alarms. These pagers have greatly decreased the response time of the firefighters, and today, you'll hardly find a fireman without one.
In January 1992, the company voted to have the cab of Engine 2-6-2, the Pierce Arrow, fully enclosed to provide more safety for the firefighters. By doing this, there will be no more riding on the tailboard of the apparatus for the firefighters. Pierce Manufacturing enclosed the cab for $21,000, which increased the interior seating of firefighters to six.
In February 1992, a timer was installed on the siren located at the firehouse. This timer will not permit the siren to be sounded between the hours of 11PM and 6AM. Also, the engine room garage doors will no longer automatically rise upon tone activation, a tradition that has occurred for years. Also in this month, the company formed a committee to purchase a new rescue truck.
In May 1992, the first Paul Z. Knier Volunteer Award was given to the high school senior who has performed outstanding volunteer service to the community. This award has been a $100 United States Savings Bond and is still given annually.
In May 1993, the company voted to purchase a Pierce Custom Dash Chassis with a Pierce Heavy Duty Rescue Body for $294,000. The Rescue arrived in late February 1994, and was placed into service as Rescue 2-6 in April 1994. New features of this rescue include seating for ten firefighters, pre-connected hydraulic and air lines for the Amkus and other rescue equipment, a 6000 watt telescopic light tower, and a command center in the walk-in box, complimented with two low band radios, one high band radio, and a cellular phone. The 1974 GMC Rescue was sold for $38,000 to Northeast Fire Apparatus.
In November 1993, "Pluggie", a robotic fire prevention assistant, was purchased from Robotronics for approximately $4,500. Pluggie has been a great asset to the company's fire safety program, being used mainly at the day care centers, and nursery and elementary schools. Pluggie is about three feet tall and is painted to resemble a firefighter, complete with fire gear. Pluggie was dedicated in memory of Captain Cary T. Cantrell in April 1994.
In August 1994, after several months of research, a new utility truck was voted upon to be bought for the department. This new truck is a 1995 Ford 4WD Diesel pick-up truck with a 4-door crew cab. Aluminum utility boxes were added to the bed of the truck to store equipment without using the bed space. This truck was purchased from Phillip's Ford for $26,688, and was received in November 1994, and is now known as Squad 2-6. The squad is used to carry extra manpower and equipment to the fire scenes and also for the firefighters to use when traveling to training classes out of the area.
In February 1995, a committee was formed to look into the expansion of the firehouse. In May 1995, the company agreed upon the bid from Penway Construction of $162,924 for the building expansion. The expansion of the firehouse was to the rear of the building and included: a new engineer's room (maintenance shop), added storage rooms, a handicapped-accessible bathroom, a new apparatus bay for the squad truck, and a larger meeting / training room and undeclared room on the second floor. This undeclared room later became the fire department's museum.
In June 1996, Mr. Joseph Young, owner of the property at 75 South Main Street approached the department stating that he would like to sell his property. The company approved of the purchase of the three-story house and yard for $142,000 and agreement papers were signed in August. After possession, the rear yard of the property was converted into a parking lot for the fire department. The building houses four apartments that are taken care of by a management company. Several improvements have been made to the property since our purchase, mostly dealing with heating, electrical, and plumbing. With the purchase of this property, we have been able to solve our parking problem by adding approximately 20 new spaces.
In order to allow more space for the officers of the company to work in, the department decided in 1997 to renovate the second floor of the original building by creating two additional offices.
In February of 1997, the fund drive mailing of the department was revamped again. The fund drive mailing is now handled by an outside company and includes a second mailing so that more contributions are received. This has increased the number of properties donating, however, the actual amount of those giving is still less than 40 percent.
In March of 1997, the Hershey Museum sent the department notice that they would like the pieces of fire equipment on display there to be removed. They approved the return of our fire equipment to our department, which includes a hand pump and a hose cart. The fire department has also received a leather helmet and a leather bucket. These pieces along with many other pieces of Manheim Firefighting history are now on display in our museum, located on the second floor of the new addition.
In order to encourage more attendance at the annual firefighter's carnival, fireworks were returned to this event in 1997. The response and enthusiasm of the crowd has been well received.
In December of 1998, the Manheim area witnessed its biggest fire ever. On December 15th, four buildings were damaged or destroyed by fire on Market Square. Nearly $1,500,000 of damage was encountered, along with 16 people left homeless and four businesses temporarily shutdown. Over 200 firefighters from 40 fire companies assisted with extinguishing the fire, in which the Manheim Fire Company spent nearly 16 hours on the scene.
In May 1999, the front driveway was replaced using concrete instead of black top for approximately $35,000 and a new, lighted message board was erected to replace the previous sign board, at a cost of nearly $1,500.
Due to lack of support and little financial benefit, the members voted in June 1999 to stop holding our breakfast fund raisers.
In December 1999, a back-up generator was installed at the fire station at a cost of $18,400. The diesel-powered generator can provide full power to the fire station in the event of a power outage. This not only allows us to continue to function as normal, but also allows the fire station to be used as an evacuation site if needed.
Members Dennis and Duane Ober assisted the Manheim Historical Society with the publishing of their new history book, Manheim Revisited, 1700-2000. The books were an updated version of Manheim’s Old Home Week, printed in 1812 to celebrate the town’s 150th anniversary and the fire company’s 100th anniversary. The fire department received proceeds from the sale of this book and the money earned was put towards the purchase of our first automated external defibrillator (AED), to be carried on our Rescue.
In May 2000, the members unanimously voted to purchase a 2001 American LaFrance / LTI 93ft. mid-mount Tower Ladder for $640,000. At the same time, the department voted to sell the Sutphen ladder truck to Northeast Fire Apparatus for $35,000. Part of fund raising efforts to buy this truck included the commitment of $10,000 per year for five years from Manheim Borough, Penn Township and Rapho Township. In addition, the Manheim Auto Auction also committed to matching the $50,000 contribution over five years. The new ladder truck arrived in January 2001.
In August 2000, the fire company decided to support the Mastersonville Fire Company by promoting the sale of green, reflective address signs in our district. We will encourage our community to purchase these signs from them and they will also be using our fund raisers and fund drive to promote the signs.
Due to staffing concerns and the need to provide the best service possible to our residents and businesses, our box alarms were updated in September 2000 to automatically include mutual aid units on all structure fires on the initial dispatch for the first time ever. Depending on the type of call and location of the call, an additional engine, ladder truck and / or tanker has been added from the nearest neighboring fire department to assist us. This has greatly enhanced our service capabilities to our community.
In 2000, the fire department received its first PA State grant for firefighting equipment. We were awarded $9,900 to purchase equipment for the new ladder truck. We also received a contribution of nearly $4,000 from Pleasant View Retirement Community to buy hoses and nozzles for the new ladder truck.
In April 2001, the fire department and the Manheim Lions Club held the first of many annual fund raisers. A beef dinner was hosted at the fire station and the proceeds benefitted both agencies.
On May 9, 2001, the members voted to move our monthly business meeting to the first Wednesday of each month, so that it does not conflict with the Lancaster County Fire Chiefs Association, who meets on the second Wednesday of the month. This encourages our chief officers to become involved in county-wide issues and events.
In October 2001, the fire department began to serve the community by responding to calls for unconscious persons requiring CPR. By doing so, we will be assisting the Manheim Ambulance with personnel trained in the use of the AED, that allows us to provide medical assistance to the patient.
In November 2001, the members voted to change the time of our elections from December of each year to January. This will allow the elected officers to serve during the regular calendar year and be able to finish their year-end duties as needed.
In late 2001, the fire alarm system was upgraded in the station, and electronic locks were installed on the exterior doors and office doors.
In December 2001, the fire department bought its first thermal imaging camera (TIC) with a mounting bracket from Scott for $10,000. The purchase was covered by the awarding of a state grant.
Also in December 2001, the members voted to send a $15,000 donation to the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation. The amount was raised by members after the 9-11 through a Boot Drive and other special fund raisers. In honor of our donation, they sent four members to our 2002 company banquet to speak to us about the Foundation and share their experiences of the events of 9-11.
In January 2002, the electronic entry system and fire alarm system was updated to eliminate the use of keys. The system is programmed to automatically unlock the rear door when we have a fire call.
In April 2002, the fire department was named the recipient of the annual Manheim Sertoma Club Service to Mankind Award.
Also in April 2002, the Squad was redesigned to include scene lighting, additional warning lights, improved cabinetry and additional equipment was added for a total of approximately $5,000.
In August 2002, the members voted to accept a new standardized uniform policy that included for the first time in many years, a full dress uniform, referred to as a Class A uniform.
In November 2002, five members and their spouses were the invited guests to the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation annual banquet. Our members were recognized for the $15,000 contribution our department made to them in December 2001. We were given private tours of Ground Zero, the Burn Center, numerous FDNY stations and the Macy’s department store.
An additional automatic external defibrillator (AED) was placed into service in February 2003. The piece of equipment is critical to saving the life of a person in cardiac arrest. A few months later, the fire department started to respond to calls in the community to assist the ambulance with cardiac arrests.
A committee was formed in March 2003 to research the replacement of Engine 2-6-2, the 1984 Pierce engine.
In April 2003, the members voted to adopt the Member Policy Handbook. The handbook leaves direction for members and the Board of Directors for policies and procedures not covered under the By-Laws and Constitution.
In order to keep up with technology, the department voted to install a network server for the department computers in October 2003.
Due to problems in recent years, the members voted to discontinue hosting the annual community Halloween Parade in November 2003.
In December 2003, the members voted to replace the 1984 Pierce Engine with a 2004 Pierce Lance Engine with a compressed air foam system (CAFS). Total cost of the new engine will be $488,996. The 1984 Pierce was sold to Monroe Hose Company in Monroeton for $50,000 in March 2004.
In August 2009, the department held its last truck drawing. Due to low support, the department voted to change the truck drawing to cash drawing in 2010. Due to continuing decline in support, the department voted to stop its annual raffle drawing after the 2010 cash drawing.
In November 2009, the department voted to replace the 1987 Engine and 1994 Rescue with a 2010 Pierce Quantum Rescue Pumper for a cost of $665,800. During the past few years, Lititz Fire Company, West Earl Fire Company and Columbia # 1 Fire Company borrowed Engine 1 while their engines were out of service. The 1987 Engine was sold in May 2010 to Trough Creek Valley Fire Department in Cassville, Huntingdon County for $10,000. The Rescue was sold to Command Fire Apparatus for $130,000 in July 2010.
In January 2010, the members started using Iamresponding.com to track members responding to fire calls. Additional computer monitors were purchased and installed by the gear racks for members to view which members are responding and to follow the incident on LCWC’s WebCAD.
In the Spring of 2010, the final touches were completed on the department’s pump pit, located on the property of the Borough’s Public Works property, off of West Colebrook Street. Total cost of the installation of the pump pit was approximately $33,500.
Also in the Spring of 2010, a new gear washer and drying cabinet was purchased with the help of the annual grant from the state. The grant covered nearly $14,000 of the $15,900 cost; the balance was paid by the department.
In August 2010, the members began a new fund raiser to sell calendars from The Fire Within. The calendars sold for $20 each and showcased 11 local fire department and its members. The members held a special, full-weekend fund raiser at the Manheim Shopping Center, along with Mastersonville and Penryn Fire Companies, to sell the calendars.
The number of fire responses is continuing to climb each year, as the Manheim area continues to develop structurally and as population increases, creating more traffic. The fire department protects all of Manheim Borough, and parts of Penn and Rapho Townships. We provide approximately 50 square miles of fire protection, as well as responding to assist neighboring communities.The Manheim Fire Department is an all-volunteer company, operating on the donations and support of its community. The demands on the firefighters go beyond the normal firefighting tactics for today's firefighters. The members participate in fire training, perform repair and maintenance on the equipment, teach fire prevention and safety in the community, and raise funds to operate the department. Each year, more time is expected of these firefighters to provide the firefighting service to the community. The most important thing that you can do for these dedicated individuals is to offer your support. Financial help as well as physical help are always needed. New members are encouraged and welcome to join. Currently, there are 90 active members, of which nearly 50 are active firefighters and fire police, 116 Honorary members and around 200 social members in the fire company. The department needs the help of everyone to get the job done, not just the firefighters. The year 2000 will mark 188 years of firefighting service provided to citizens of Manheim. Protecting lives and properties has been and always will be the purpose and duty of the Hope Fire Engine and Hose Company, Number 1!
