NORTH FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP
VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY
About Us
Our Story
On May 19th, 1952, the North Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company (NFVFC) was born. Since our first official meeting, we have had a long and proud history of service to our community. With over 70 years of service, we have come a long way and look forward to what the future holds as we continue to serve the community.
1952 - 1959
The North Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company, founded in 1952, has a rich history of community service. From its humble beginnings with a donated frame building, the company swiftly evolved, obtaining its first apparatus and establishing firefighting protocols by attending fire schools. The dedicated team officially began providing fire services on January 1, 1953, responding to their initial call on Bellvue Avenue.
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Throughout the 1950s, milestones such as the acquisition of property, expansion to a second station, and procurement of new firefighting equipment marked the growth of the Fire Company. Chiefs like Thomas Crosbie and Gaylord Riggle led the team, while the company actively engaged in community policing during local school football games. The legacy continued as the Fire Company expanded its resources, purchased additional properties, and served the community under the leadership of various chiefs, including Carl Riggle in 1959.
1960's
In 1961, the expanding company secured the location for the current Fire station and social hall. Taking the helm as chief, Arthur G. VanBriggle served for a commendable two decades. The transfer of keys to the new building occurred on October 21, 1963, marking a pivotal moment. February 1964 witnessed the inaugural company banquet. The former firehouse on Franklin Farms Road found a new purpose when it was sold to the township, eventually evolving into the present-day Township Building.
A significant decision was made on October 18, 1965, to acquire a 750gpm Ford Howe. Starting March 28, 1967, Tuesday night drills became a regular fixture.
1970's
In 1970, the fire company invested in home alert radio monitors. The fire station located at Lincoln Hill was dismantled, making way for a newly constructed concrete block building.
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In 1974, the fire company introduced bingo games as a fundraising initiative. March 1975 marked the adoption of a service point system. Enhancements to the social hall included the addition of an entrance hall and a bingo business office in June 1975. Notably, the mortgage on the building was fully paid off in the same year.
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On October 20, 1975, the fire company became a proud member of the Fire Rescue and Mutual Aid Association of Washington County, Inc. A significant development occurred on February 21, 1977, with the awarding of a contract to Hamerly Custom Productions for a new 1500 gallon per minute pumper, later known as Engine 43-3.
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On September 19, 1977, the fire company made a strategic move by acquiring land on Greenhill Drive, laying the groundwork for a future third station.
1980's
In 1981, John Gorrell assumed the role of chief, succeeding Arthur VanBriggle. In May 1982, a significant move was made with the order of a new 1600-gallon tanker from 4 Guys fire apparatus manufacturers. This was followed by the acquisition of a custom brush truck in May 1983. The transformation of the social hall began with a remodeling project initiated in January 1984.
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March 1984 marked the awarding of a contract for a new custom 1500 gallon per minute Pierce Dash pumper, later known as Engine 43-4. The new engine was delivered in October and commenced service in January 1985. Kenneth Patress took on the role of chief in 1985 and continues to serve in that capacity.
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In April 1986, preliminary work was completed, paving the way for the construction of the fire station on Greenhill Drive. This addition resulted in North Franklin acquiring a three-station Fire Company.
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A proud moment for the Fire Company occurred in July 1989 when it hosted the Fiftieth Annual Convention of the Washington County Firemen’s Association. The convention concluded with a parade down Chestnut St. to the fire station on Sylvan Drive, followed by a daylong festival on the grounds.
1990's
In January 1992, the Township generously donated a used police car for the fire company's use.
As 1993 commenced, the company explored the prospect of acquiring a new pumper. By June 1993, the company successfully purchased the Air Association truck for $2500.00, equipped with a breathing air compressor utilized as a cascade. The kitchen in the social hall was also upgraded to its current modern stainless steel look during that year.
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In February 1994, the company celebrated the 20th anniversary of Bingo. Additionally, in August, Engine 43-2, a new Pierce Dash pumper, was delivered at a cost of $235,943.00.
The beginning of 1995 saw the company acquiring a Carbon Monoxide Detector to measure CO levels in residential air. In March 1995, members received hepatitis B shots to safeguard against bloodborne pathogens. June of the same year witnessed the purchase of Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) alarms.
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To enhance the bingo experience, a new computerized machine and TV monitors were added in March 1996.
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In 1997, the policy committee recognized the need for a Safety Officer position, appointing Glenn Vogel to the role. Simultaneously, Engine 43-3 underwent refurbishment.
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Approaching the new millennium in 1999, the Fire Company invested in a state-of-the-art Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) to enhance firefighting and rescue capabilities, essentially providing "eyes in the dark." The commitment to progress continued with the acquisition of new MSA MMR Ultra-light breathing apparatus, featuring integrated PASS alarms.
2000's
In June 2000, the fire company acquired a second Thermal Imaging Camera. Recognizing the need to better accommodate social hall activities, an expansion of the parking lot was deemed necessary, resulting in an addition of 80 more parking spaces. By October of the same year, a collaboration with the City of Washington, South Strabane, and Canton Townships led to the purchase of an updated Fire Safety House for the company.
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In the year leading up to our 50th Anniversary, the Air Truck was replaced with an in-station CompAir Breathing air center. Improvements were made at the Gabby station, including the replacement of lights and the installation of ceiling fans for enhanced air circulation.
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The tragic events of September 11, 2001, forever changed our world, marked by the loss of lives, especially our fellow firefighters. In response, the company organized an old-fashioned boot drive to support the affected families. The drive was highly successful, collecting over $30,000.00.
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Over the past fifty years, we've evolved from six sets of boots, coats, and helmets used on a first-come, first-serve basis to providing each firefighter with a complete set of turnout gear. From a single station without heat to three stations and a social hall. From one pumper and one tanker to four engines, one tanker, one brush truck, and two squad cars. While we have made significant strides, acknowledging our progress, we remain aware that there is still a long journey ahead.
“The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph”