P.O. Box 99
Kimberton, Pennsylvania
19442
610 - 935 - 1388

Courage, Hope, Spirit

Kimberton Fire Company

HISTORY OF THE KIMBERTON FIRE COMPANY

On January 30, 1929, a group of community leaders met in the home of N.G. Schankels to discuss the need for a local fire company. At that meeting, they formed a group "to Protect Kimberton and vicinity from fire" On February 5, 1929 the first officers were elected by the newly formed membership. They also voted to purchase a 1917 Brockway combination chemical and hose car for the sum of $300. Kimberton Fire Co became incorporated in May 1929.

Kimberton’s first new fire apparatus was a Hale pumper purchased in May 1936. Unfortunately the first call this piece responded to was a fire in Kimberton’s firehouse. The firehouse was a complete loss but the pumper was saved and was actually used to help extinguish the blaze.

Today, The Kimberton Fire Company has a fleet of twelve emergency vehicles to meet the needs of our community. Our first due territory is comprised of 5 municipalities either in whole or part and covering 32 square miles. These Townships covered are East Pikeland, West Pikeland, Charlestown, East Vincent, and West Vincent. The are we protect ranges from small town and suburban development to farmland and urban/wildland interface.

In addition to providing fire and rescue services, we also provide regional support as members of the Tanker Task Force and maintain the County’s Mass Casualty unit and a State Forest Fire Crew. The Kimberton Fire Company is our local Emergency Operations Center and also designated Emergency Evacuation Center.

Our founding members attempted to fill a need within the community. Imagine how pleased they would be to see how far we have progressed. Today, the Kimberton Fire Company provides much more than fire protection. We have grown to be responsive to the needs of our community. By building positive community partnerships, we are able to enrich the lives of the citizens we protect.

We currently provide meeting space and sponsor many programs that include Boy Scouts, Exploring and Venture Crews. Community groups often use the building and grounds for fund raisers and community events – from walk-a-thons to foot races and everything in between. By partnering with Kimberton Youth Athletic League and the Phoenixville Youth Babe Ruth League, we are able to provide positive alternatives for the youth of our community. We believe that this investment in the youth of our community today will provide for a stronger community tomorrow.

As much as things have changed, the fire service remains the same. Anytime, day or night, rain or shine –no matter who needs us, we’ll be there, providing Professional Services from Volunteer Forces.

History of Kimberton Fire Apparatus

Old Times	First Engine 1929-36	The First Engine was a 1917 Brockway 'Combination Chemical & Hose Car.' This unit was purchased from the Phoenix #1 Fire Co.	1936 Dodge
61-1 1936-73	Dodge/built by Hale Pumps. 250 gallons of water & 250 gpm Hale rotary pump. This unit was originally an open cab unit and got a new body in 1956. In 1973 it was sold to the new formed Ludwig's Corner Fire Co (station #73).	61-2 1949-1973	New in 1949 & made by A.W. Martin in Terryhill, PA. The unit had a 1000 gallon tank and 250 gpm Hale Rotary Pump.
Rescue61 1962-79	1962 International. Equipped with a 10 KW Generator. All interior work was done by KFC members. Members of the ladies Auxiliary actually cooked meals in this unit at larger incidents. In its early days it carried 2 Chem-Ox masks.	1982
61-3 1957-86	International made by A.W. Martin in Terryhill, PA. This unit had a 1000 gallon tank & a 500 gpm Hale pump.	Rescue 61 1979-86	GMC with Grumman body built by Jack Yiassel. The unit had a 12 KW Generator & carried the first Lucas Rescue Tool System and cascade system.
1991		61-1 1967-91	International Hahn/custom pumper. This unit had a 750 gallon tank and 750 gpm Hale single stage pump. It was also equipped with a John Beam Hi-Pressure PTO pump with two Hi-Pressure reel lines.
Snorkel 61 1976-1993	"A" Model Mack with a (1974) 55 foot snorkel boom. The unit was purchased used from the Paoli Fire Co & served as the Kimberton Fire Co.'s first Truck Company. The unit was equipped with a 250 gallon tank & 750 gpm 2-stage Hale Pump. The unit was sold to the Forest Lake Fire Co where it continues to serve as a front line fire unit.	61-5 1974-95	This unit originally started out with a Ford Tractor & then later replaced with a 1970 Mack tractor. The trailer was a 7000 gallon Hess Oil trailer donated by Hess Oil. The unit had a 250 gpm pump to off load the water or could be drafted off of by a pumper.
Tac61 1973-1998	Tac61. 1973-1998. 1973 International Pick-up truck. The vehicle started its life as a Brush truck & was later modified to an attack type unit. It was equipped with a 250 gallon tank and 250 gpm Hale pump. The unit was built by PECO.	Squad 61 1980-99	GMC Suburban. Purchased to carry firefighters after the NFPA made it unacceptable to ride Firefighters on the back step of fire apparatus. The unit was also used by firefighters to go to fire academy courses outside the area opposed to using their personal vehicles.
61-2 1976-2000	Hahn-Custom 5 man cab. It was equipped with a 6 KW generator, 1250 gpm Hale single stage pump and 750 gallons of water. It had a 5 speed manual transmission and was sold to the Screamer Volunteer Fire Co where is still services as a front line unit to their community.	Tower61 1991-2002	Purchased from the Fairfax City Fire Dept in 1990. Built on a 1974 American chassis. The KFC had it totally refurbished with a 1990 Pierce-Arrow Cab and rebuilt ladder and body. The unit was equipped with an 85 foot Grove-LTI Tower-ladder with prepiped waterway & 12 KW water-cooled generator. It had no pump or water. The unit was sold in 2002 to the Parkesburg Fire Co (Station #28)in Chester County where it still serves as a front line unit.