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HISTORY
OF THE ALPHA FIRE COMPANY
On Saturday, August 28, 1885 a
large group of interested citizens of the community met to
organize a fire company for the protection of property. The
company was named Alpha Fire Company No. 1. A charter was
granted on March 3, 1886. The firehouse was built on East King
Street and dedicated on November 18, 1886. The fire bell, which
is still atop the engine house, was purchased on January 8, 1887
for $98.62.
A uniform drill team was formed on January 4, 1886. A second
drill team was formed in the spring of 1938 but was disbanded
during World War II. This unit was reorganized in January 1954.
1896
Hose Reel & Ladder Wagon
The first equipment purchased was buckets, hose, a ladder and
one hose reel truck for $206.50. This equipment was used until
1896, when a second hand hose carriage and second hand hose
truck were purchased. This equipment remained in service until
1910.
The first motorized fire apparatus in Adams County was delivered
to the Alpha Fire Company on July 17, 1913 for the cost of
$2000.00. In 1919 an up-to-date pumper, an American LaFrance
combination pumper and chemical engine, was purchased following
a major fire in the business section of South Queen Street.
Since 1910 several renovations have been made to the engine
house, including a large addition to the back of the building in
1991. In 1985 a building was erected on the site of the former
tennis courts on Locust Street for use during the annual
carnival.
In 1974 the fire company assumed the responsibility of providing
emergency medical services to the community due to the
increasing amount of calls and the decreasing amount of
personnel to operate the service. Prior to this time, the
service was provided by American Legion Post 321. The Legion
turned the ambulance service over to the Borough of Littlestown
who in turn transferred it over to the fire company. The
ambulance in service at this time was a 1972 Cadillac.
Alpha Fire Company No. 1 Inc. continues to be an all volunteer
organization. The Alpha Fire Company thanks the residents of the
community for their continued support of our various
fund-raising activities
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