A photograph taken in 1938 of the front of the Wiconisco Fire Engine Company No. 1 Building, Wiconisco, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, along with a fire engine of the time. The photo appeared in the Lykens Standard, June 10, 1938.
The following history of Wiconisco Fire Engine Company No. 1, was from the 20th Annual Convention of Dauphin County Volunteer Firemen, which was held in Wiconisco, June 10 and June 11, 1938. The history was reprinted in the Wiconisco Sesquicentennial Book in 1989.
The building pictured above was captioned “Convention Headquarters” by the Lykens newspaper.
On May 23, 1922, seeing the need of proper fire protection, a group of citizens met in the Wiconisco High School and organized what is now Wiconisco Fire engine Company No. 1.
At the following election a vote was taken to purchase a fire apparatus. The first combination chemical and pumper fire truck was purchased from the Howe Fire Apparatus Company. It was a Reo chassis with the Howe equipment on it. Not having a proper place to house it, the truck was kept in the cellar of the William H. Kissinger store until the following year when the Wiconisco Fire Engine House was built.
Mr. Joseph Noble was the first Chief, and after much drilling and practice, it was known as one of the most proficient firefighting companies in the upper end.
After fifteen years of service in fighting fire, it was decided to discard the old pumper, and in 1937 a vote was taken by the citizens to purchase an up-to-date pumper, not to exceed $6,000. On March 18, 1938, a new International chassis, with National Fire Equipment was delivered to the company.
On June 11 and June 12, 1926, the Company entertained the Dauphin County Volunteer Firemen’s Association for the first time.
In 1933 a first-aid squad was organized under the able leadership of Mr. John Loman, and was known as one of the best equipped and efficient first-aid squads in the county.
Starting out with a small membership, the company in 1938 had a membership of 207 members, also a relief association. Our motto is, “We are Here to Serve.”
________________________________
Photo from Newspapers.com.
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.