A History of Firefighting in Womelsdorf and of the Volunteer Fire Company #1 of Womelsdorf

The oldest known records that mention firefighting in the Womelsdorf area can be traced back to around 1815. These records indicate that members were responsible to keep two 2 1/2-gallon leather buckets near the front door of their homes, as well as a list of both the fire company rules and names of all members. These members were also responsible to operate the engine of the "Womelsdorf Fire Company". The location of where the engine was stored and who built the engine is unknown. It is assumed that prior to 1815 and before a fire engine was acquired, residents acted in bucket brigades in times of fire since the advent of this firefighting method.

In 1833, a borough resolution required fire protection and a hand-pumper was soon purchased and the townspeople used it when the need arose. It is unknown what make the pumper was or where it was kept.

In 1841, several citizens petitioned Borough Council to build a new firehouse because the current one was in disrepair and could not properly house apparatus. In 1845, a 30ft. x 30ft. engine house was erected on South 2nd Street in the vicinity of where the former Valley Forge Flag Factory was located, after the owner of the property on which the former engine house stood told them they had to relocate because he wanted the land for his own use. The location of the old engine house is unknown.

In February of 1846, a petition was submitted to Womelsdorf Borough Council, asking them to appropriate a certain amount of money to purchase a second fire engine. The engine was to be placed under the control of a certain number of citizens, who associated themselves under the name "Humane Fire Company of Womelsdorf". However it doesn't appear that the petition was granted and/or acted upon.

On June 19, 1846, Womelsdorf Borough Council agreed to purchase an 1812 Patrick Lyon "Philadelphia-style" hand-pumper for $800. This piece originally served the America Fire Engine Company in Philadelphia, and it is estimated that only 50 of these style pumpers were built by Patrick Lyon between 1792 and 1824. With the purchase of this apparatus, a new fire company was formed called the "America Fire Engine Company of Womelsdorf". The pumper was rebuilt in 1851 by John Haak, a Womelsdorf carriage maker, and is still owned by Womelsdorf Borough.

On January 5, 1850, the "Columbia Fire Company" was founded at the request of citizens. They took responsibility of the first engine Womelsdorf Borough purchased and housed it in a new firehouse near Front and Franklin Streets. This building is still standing and is used as a garage. The town now had two organized fire companies within the borough.

On November 28, 1895, Howard M. Hafer, the owner/operator of the Seltzer House, convinced enough residents that one fire company would serve the area better than two, and the current "Volunteer Fire Company #1 of Womelsdorf" was organized and recognized as the only and regular fire company in the Borough of Womelsdorf. Mr. Hafer became the first Fire Chief of the company and served in that position for 31 years. The first piece of apparatus the company secured was a four-wheeled horse-drawn hose carriage with needed accessories in 1895. They borrowed and later bought the carriage for $150.00 from George W. "Bob" Miller, Chief of the Reading Fire Department. This unit was originally the property of the Rainbow Fire Company of Reading. This apparatus was housed in the Seltzer House livery stables.

After seeing residents were in favor of finding suitable quarters for the Fire Company, Borough Council agreed and built a Town Hall and Engine House at the intersection of Front & High Streets in 1897. The total cost was $6500.00. A parade, dedication, and "Grand Ball" were held on December 18, 1897. In November of 1908, electric was installed and in February of 1912, plumbing was installed in the building making it the first public building in Womelsdorf to have indoor plumbing. Several years later, the two original garage doors were remodeled as one larger door to accommodate larger fire apparatus.

Between 1900 and 1904, the fire company purchased a horse-drawn 1900 Gleason & Bailey hook and ladder carriage for $800.00, a horse-drawn 1901 Holloway Corporation chemical and hose wagon for a cost of $1250.00 and a two-wheeled hose cart in 1904.

In June of 1916, the Fire Company decided to motorize the 1901 chemical and hose wagon and awarded a contract to Martin Carriage Works, York, Pa., at a cost of $3000.00. This was the first motorized fire apparatus in the company, and it was housed on September 15, 1917. The apparatus color was yellow, the only apparatus in Fire Company history to be painted this color. It is unknown why this color was chosen.

On  January 19, 1921, the Fire Company took delivery of a new Ahrens Fox triple-combination 750 GPM pumper which was in service until 1947 at a cost of $12,600. A parade, housing, and carnival took place on July 2, 1921. In 1933, the 1916 Martin was refurbished again by Boyertown Body Works with a new International chassis at a cost of $2060.55. The pumper was housed in July of 1933. This pumper was known to the firefighters and community as "Barney" and was in service until 1985, the longest running apparatus in Fire Company history at 52 years.

The Womelsdorf Volunteer Fire Company Relief Association was formed on October 15, 1925. The purpose of this organization was to take care of funds that the fire company received from the 2% tax levied by Pennsylvania on out of state insurance premiums. This tax was enacted to encourage individuals to participate in the fire service by making funds available which could be used to provide benefits to protect volunteer firefighters and their families. Today these funds are still used to protect volunteer firefighters by allowing the association to purchase equipment for safety such as air packs, firefighting gear, hose, pay for training, and pay death benefits to those members who qualify.

In 1935, the idea of adding a Social Quarters was introduced. In 1939, a Social Quarters was built behind the Town Hall and Engine House on land purchased by the Fire Company from Howard M. Hafer. The total cost of the construction was $16,355.85 and a parade and dedication ceremony was held on August 19, 1939. A unique agreement with Womelsdorf Borough supplied heat for the building through steam for a number of years. Although the building has had extensive renovations and additions over the years, it still serves today as a social quarter or "the Club" as it is commonly referred to, containing a bar, kitchen, bowling alleys, and bingo hall. Prior to the Social Quarters being built, the basement of the Town Hall and Engine House served as the Social Quarters.

As early as 1939, the Fire Company has had fire police officers among its ranks. These members are sworn officers of the law and have limited powers. They are primarily responsible for traffic and crowd control at emergency incidents, scene security, and also provide assistance to local police departments and the State Police. More recently, fire police also assist with community events and security such as parades, carnivals, and other details. Today the Fire Company's fire police officers continue to provide a vital and necessary function for area fire companies, police departments, and the community and are often the volunteers who spend the longest amount of time at incidents.

In 1947, a new American LaFrance ultra-modern, triple-combination 750 GPM pumper was purchased for a total cost of $14,000.00. This apparatus, dedicated to Howard M. Hafer, replaced the Ahrens Fox and was in service till 1985 upon delivery of the current engine. A parade and housing for the pumper was held on August 9, 1947, and at that time it was the largest parade held outside of Reading with an estimated 25,000 people in attendance and included 70 marching groups, more than 20 fire apparatus, and was 3 hours and 15 minutes long,

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Womelsdorf Volunteer Fire Company was organized in 1951. They were a vital part in performing their duties, providing moral, material, and financial support. In times of distress both the family involved in the unfortunate experience, as well as the firefighters fulfilling their voluntary obligations, have had numerous occasions to appreciate the services rendered by the women of this group. In April of 1986, the "Women of the Womelsdorf Fire Crew" was established with the same intent of providing financial support to the fire company. This group functioned for several years. However, due to lack of interest and volunteers, the group was dissolved. In 2010 a renewed interest occurred, and a Ladies Auxiliary was again formed with the intent of providing financial support to the fire company.

In 1965, the Fire Company voted to purchase a new International/John Bean high pressure fog truck for $12,000. A parade and housing ceremony took place on July 17, 1965. This apparatus was in service until September 2005 and proved to be one of the most reliable and versatile pieces of firefighting equipment the Fire Company has ever had.

In 1968, fire company members built their first tanker using a 1960 International chassis and a 1000-gallon tank that was donated. This apparatus was replaced in 1982 with a 1972 International/Kari-Kool milk truck which held 2700 gallons, purchased from Clover Farms Dairy, Reading, Pa. Fire Company members spent many man-hours turning both trucks into functional fire apparatus.

On August 22, 1970, the Fire Company celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a parade, ceremony, and carnival. The parade was attended by an estimated 10,000 people and lasted for two hours.

In September of 1973, the Fire Company purchased a 1954 Ford delivery van from Tyrus Price, a local baker, for a cost of $625.00. This apparatus served for four years as an emergency truck until it was replaced in the spring of 1977 with a 1969 Chevrolet Step-Van who was in service for seven years.

In 1977, Womelsdorf Borough Council decided to make extensive renovations to the Town Hall & Engine House which found it necessary for the Fire Company to look for a new home after 80 years. This decision was not without controversy and forced the Fire Company's apparatus to be relocated and parked at different locations in Womelsdorf while renovations were completed, and a new location found. The membership voted to build a new four-bay firehouse at the intersection of 5th & High Streets on land formerly owned by Womelsdorf Borough. The total cost of construction, $86,641.14, was paid in full with funds donated by the community and many fundraising events.  A parade and dedication were held on May 17, 1980, in conjunction with the Fire Company's 85th Anniversary. This building continues to serve as the current firehouse. A meeting room was later built inside the firehouse in January of 1989 and an outside storage shed was acquired in 2009.

Seeing a need for an aerial device in the Womelsdorf area as the closest one was located in Myerstown, in April of 1980 the Fire Company purchased a 1955 American LaFrance 75-foot ladder truck from the Ridley Park Fire Company, Delaware County, Pa., for a cost of $20,100.95. This unit was in service till 1996 when it was replaced with a 1997 International/New Lexington/Aerial Innovations 75' quint.

The Conrad Weiser Fire Prevention Committee was established in 1982 by firefighters from Womelsdorf, Robesonia, and Stouchsburg Fire Companies and ran through 1988. Their primary task was to educate the children in grades kindergarten through sixth grade in fire safety and prevention. In 1990, the committee was reorganized to also include the Wernersville Fire Company. The committee has since been disbanded and fire companies in the area are responsible for their own fire prevention and education programs in their local schools and daycare facilities.

In 1982, a group of Womelsdorf firefighters formed a comic unit known as "Barney's Bandits", named after what members gave the nickname of the Fire Company's 1933 International pumper. This group would attend numerous local and state parades and win many awards, all the while providing entertainment for the public. The group ceased after 1985 due to lack of interest.

In 1984, the fire company voted to purchase a 1985 American LaFrance 1500 GPM pumper. The total cost of this unit was $118,000.00. The new engine was put into service on January 21, 1985, at which time the 1947 American Lafrance pumper was taken out of service having served the Borough of Womelsdorf and surrounding communities for 38 years. A parade and housing were held on May 18, 1985, in conjunction with the fire company's 90th Anniversary. The 1985 pumper was taken out of service on August 31, 2019, after 34 years of service being replaced with a 1999 Pierce Lance engine. It was sold to former WVFC member Curtis Ganster.

In 1988, the 1972 International/Kari-Kool tanker overturned and was totaled in an accident while responding to a shed fire. The fire company took delivery of the current tanker, a 1989 International/4-Guys 2500-gallon tanker, to replace this apparatus at a cost of $84,550.00. A parade and housing ceremony for the tanker was held on June 2, 1990, in conjunction with the Fire Company's 95th Anniversary.

On September 23, 1995, the Fire Company celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a parade and celebration. A delegation of residents from Womelsdorf, Germany which included 12 firefighters, was visiting the town. The firefighters participated as the guests of honor and marched in the parade.

In 1996, the 1955 American LaFrance ladder truck was damaged in a training exercise. It was decided by the membership to replace the ladder truck and the 1955 ALF was sold back to the Ridley Park Fire Company. A committee was formed, and the company voted to order a 1997 International/New Lexington/Aerial Innovations 75ft. quint at a cost of $328,000.00. To assist with paying for this apparatus, Womelsdorf Borough Council established a fire tax for the fire company. A parade and housing ceremony took place on May 22, 1999.

In 2005, due to high maintenance costs and lack of parts, the company voted to sell the 1965 International/John Bean High Pressure Fog Truck after 40 years of remarkable service. An apparatus committee was formed and made its recommendation to purchase a 2007 Ford F550/4Guys mini pumper, which was placed in service on May 1, 2007, at a cost of approximately $165,000.00. The 1965 International is now owned by Sean Corr of Goshen, NY, where it was repaired and repainted for use on a horse farm.

Since 2003, the Fire Company has been awarded more than $400,000 in grants from various local, state, and Federal agencies to assist with paying for new equipment and building modifications. Included among these items are a new roof, an emergency back-up generator, air packs, thermal imaging cameras, radios, firefighting gear, hose, a vehicle exhaust system, and a complete air fill system for air cylinders.

In 2010, Heidelberg Township officially recognized the Womelsdorf Volunteer Fire Company and Pioneer Hose Company of Robesonia as the primary fire companies for the township. Each fire company was given designated areas that they were responsible for and funding from the township and state relief were split in half. Both companies run all calls in the township together.

In 2015 the membership voted to sell the 1997 International 75' quint. The company purchased a 1997 Pierce Lance 105' quint from the Merion Fire Co. of Ardmore, Montgomery County, Pa. The 1997 was sold to the Crary Hose Co. of Westfield, Tioga County, Pa.

In 2019 the membership voted to replace the 1985 American Lafrance with a 1999 Pierce Lance engine purchased from the Jericho Fire District, Long Island, Pa. The 1985 was sold to former WVFC firefighter Curtis Ganster.

Currently volunteer fire companies around the nation are faced with numerous challenges which will demand the support of the communities they provide service to, and the Womelsdorf Volunteer Fire Company will not be immune to these challenges. They include, but are not limited to, a declining number of volunteers, rising call volumes, inadequate funding, a poor economy, and an increase in housing and population. While all these factors will have an unknown effect, the fire company through the years has been most adequate at protecting the Borough of Womelsdorf, Heidelberg Township, and surrounding communities against the ravages of fire and other emergencies, and today it ranks second to none among communities its size. The volunteers who serve today hope they may serve as capably, modestly, and honorably as Howard M. Hafer did, the man who organized the company on November 28, 1895.

Past Fire Chiefs

Howard M. Hafer: 1895-1921

Harry E. Shenk: 1922-1924

Howard M. Hafer: 1925-1928

Lee M. Sallade: 1929-1931

Luther D. Weber: 1932-1939

Clarence Flickinger, Sr.: 1940-1945

Charles Lengel: 1946-1955

John I. Stricker: 1956-1958

George Bashore: 1959

Nathan B. Care: 1960-1979

John Schoener, Sr.: 1980-1983

William W. Moore: 1984-1988

Feryl Wessner: 1989

John Miller: 1990*

Mervin Hurst: 1990-1992

Barry Wessner: 1993-1994

Robert Zerman: 1995-1999**

Chris D. Weidenhammer: 2000-2003

Robert Martin: 2004-Present

*John Miller elected Fire Chief for 1990 and served until resigning in February.  Mervin Hurst elected to serve as Fire Chief for the remainder of 1990.

**Robert Zerman resigned in March 1999 and the Fire Chief's duties were handled by Assistant Chiefs Chris D. Weidenhammer and Garry Zerbe for remainder of 1999.