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The History of New Tripoli Fire Company

During the early part of August 1944, a group of community minded men gathered at Fatzinger's hotel, in New Tripoli to discuss plans to organize a fire company for our district. As a result of this meeting, the following officers were chosen:

The fire company was first incorporated in May 1945.

The first fire call was answered on May 27, 1945 on the premises of Clarence R. Kline, near Stines Corner.

The first fire trucks consisted of C.D. Pumping units each capable of pumping 500 gallons per minute. These units were obtained from the County Civil Defense Organization at the cost of $3,700 for the two trucks, fully equipped. They were mounted on Army Trucks supplied by the Army Surplus Supplies.

In the beginning, the fire company held meetings alternating between Fatzinger's Hotel, The Blue Ridge Inn, The Community Hall and the Director's room of the New Tripoli National Bank.

A membership committee was appointed who went out to get members and solicit funds so that the bills could be paid. During the first year, they secured over 300 members and solicited over $4,100.

This committee consisted of:

Carl O. Loch
Edwin D. Snyder
Wilmer H. Mantz
Fred E. Hartman
Sterling Zimmerman

The a committee was also appointed to draw up a constitution and by-laws. This committee consisted of:

Raymond D. Mantz
Elmer G.H. Schellhammer
William L. Kistler

Also, a Board of Governors was elected to take care of all social affairs and activities. The board consisted of:

Leroy Fatzinger
Carl O. Loch
Sterling Zimmerman
Homer N. Snyder
Fred E. Hartman

A Fire Chief and Assistants were also elected:

Fire Chief                                 Paul C. Snyder
First Assistant                        George A. Moyer
Second Assistant                  William L. Kistler

Fire Police were also appointed:

Charles R. Miller
George A. Moyer
Raymond D. Mantz
Frank G. Metzger
Fred D. Weiss
George R. Leiby
Stanley Rex

The Fire Company rented sheds in Lynnville and New Tripoli to house the trucks temporarily until the Fire Company could secure buildings of their own. In 1950, the Fire Company purchased a schoolhouse from Lynn Township in New Tripoli, which is the main station today. Also in 1950, they purchased a large shed and approximately one acre of land from William Gerbach at the Lynnville Hotel.

In 1955, the Fire Company purchased a 1955 Ford Chassis and had a body built on it by Morysville Body Works of Boyertown. The Fire Company also bought a total of 2500 feet of 2½" hose and 800 feet of 1½" hose to be placed in service on the new Pumper. The total cost of the Pumper and equipment was $8,000.

In 1966, another Ford Chassis was purchased and a Hahn was installed in the town of Hamburg, PA, costing the Fire Company approximately $16,000.

In 1970, a Tanker (remember, in rural areas there are no hydrants - we carry most of our water to a call) was purchased. It was a 1966 International Chassis purchased from Hubco Ford, Carmar Inc. The tanker was put into commission for a total price of $10,160.

In 1984, another Ford Chassis was purchased and a KME body was installed for a total price of $82,000.

In 1997, the tanker was replaced with today's tanker, a 1997 Freightliner Chassis and a tank by S&S, for a total of $182,000.

In 2001, our newest truck, the Pierce Dash Pumper was purchased for $325,000.
 

To date, we still have one original life member of the New Tripoli Fire company - Carl D. Snyder

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Last modified: 11/12/05