HISTORY OF THE 8 HOUSE

On the night of the fifth of December, 1873, the fire fiend spread his wings over the town and a fearful conflagration followed.

The Wiggins building was caught in a whirlwind of flame and in a short time crumbled to ashes. It was a new three-story building on the southwest corner of the public square.

One warm and pleasant Sunday evening, late in the month of August, 1932, about 9:30, that "Monster Dragon" broke loose and started its work of destruction. People screamed, telephones rang, garden hose was put to use, old dry, leaking fire house was brought to the scene and all to no avail. The townspeople were aroused only to find themselves helpless at a time like this. "Old Dynamite" purchased about 1830, has now been cast aside and nearly forgotten. However, our friendly neighbors were summoned; Newport and Duncannon Fire Companies arrived and soon had the fire under control.

So goes the beginning of an awakening community, and the New Bloomfield Fire Company was organized.

The following are a few of the highlights of the past.

Aug. 28, 1932 – Fire at Markel house on West McClure Street. September 2, 1932, a meeting of 37 citizens in the Court House was called to order by H. Earl Book. Joe G. Darlington was elected chairman. The purpose was to discuss the need for fire protection. After some discussion of those present, including Fire Chief W. W. Dodson of Harrisburg, on the need for fire protection, organization and equipment, it was decided to form a company.

September 9, 1932 – A Constitution and By-Laws committee was formed and after hearing the Constitution and By-Laws of the Duncannon Fire Company, was asked to adjust the same to meet our needs and present them at the next meeting for approval. 22 new members were added at this meeting.

September 13, 1932 – 39 new members were reported and prices of equipment were being solicited. The Constitution and By-Laws were read and approved. The ladies formed the Ladies Auxiliary at this meeting.

October 10, 1932 – The was system was inspected and found to produce less than 40 lbs. pressure, so it was necessary to purchase a fire engine and equipment. This was largely opposed by the Borough Council until a vote of the citizens was cast in its favor.

November 4, 1932 – Fire plugs were repaired and painted, a siren was received and placed on the square and 500 feet of 2 ½ inch fire hose was ordered.

December 6, 1932 – The old Methodist Church building and lot on West High Street was purchased for $500.00. (this is the current location)

December 17, 1932 – The fire company was incorporated.

March 3, 1933 – The new Hahn pumper was welcomed with a parade and supper.

May 1, 1933 – 380 members and a well trained group of fire fighters.

September 4, 1936 – The Mayor of Harrisburg presented the New Bloomfield Fire Co., Inc. a hook and ladder truck with hard rubber tires and long ladders from the Riley Hook and Ladder Company. The cost of the truck was $4.25 for the meals of the guys who delivered the truck.

April 4, 1941 – The hose cart was equipped with 450 ft. of 1 ½ inch hose.

December 1941 – Hook and Ladder was rebuilt and replaced with a Dodge tractor for $467.63.

August 1949 – The Hahn pumper was sold for $1800 and later repurchased on August 17, 1970.

August 1949 – Took purchase of a new Mack Pumper.

October 6, 1961 – Two-way radios were installed in three pieces of motorized equipment.

March 2, 1962 – Purchased a Ford truck from D.W.M. Motors for $3797.70.

May 2, 1969 – Purchased a Ford truck chassis from Don Shirk Ford and had the 1500 gallon water tank from the 1962 Ford chassis.

April 3, 1970 – A rescue body was purchased by the Swab Wagon Company of Elizabethville, PA and mounted on the 1962 Ford chassis for $13,320.00.

1978 – Purchased a 1978 Mack ‘R’ Model engine with a 750 gallon tank and 1000 G.P.M. pump for $64,000 to add to our fleet.

1985 – Purchased a 1985 Mack ‘R’ Model 1500 gallon tanker to replace the 1962 Ford Tanker.

October 14, 1994 – Took delivery of a 1994 Spartan/Darley Rescue with a 500 G.P.M. pump and 300 gallon tank. This unit replaced the 1969 Ford Rescue. The new Rescue was purchased for approximately $204,000.00.

June 2, 2000 – Sold the 1978 Mack Engine to Fred D. Thebes & Sons for $7,300.

August 2000 – The hand pumper was restored in preparation for the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association convention and parade.

September 1, 2000 – Took delivery of our new 2000 Spartan/Darley Engine with a 1000 G.P.M. pump and 700 gallon tank. This Engine cost around, $255,000.00.

March 15, 2006 - Took delivery of our new Utility (Utility 8).  Utility 8 is a 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty Quad Cab.   Total cost was around $120,000.00 for the unit without equipment.

September 29, 2007 - The Fire Company celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a parade and outing afterwards.  Guest speakers, Lt. Mike Ciampo from FDNY and Judge Quigley, were present at an opening ceremony to start the parade.  The parade ended with a total of 100 plus pieces being entered.