The Slatedale Fire

The Slatedale Fire Company has also only had 2 fire stations. The first, located at the intersection of Labar St and Locke St (now Main Street and Brown Street) served our needs until 1954 which is when the fire company decided to look into constructing a new fire company. Our current location, 3922 Main Street, was constructed in 1958 and housed a... t the time 2 fire engines and our hose cart; an Ambulance was then added later, making 4 pieces of equipment in a 2 vehicle garage. 1906: The fire company was incorporated and our 1906 chemical cart was purchased and put in service. 1908: Our 1908 hose cart (that we still have today) was purchased and put in service. 1921: A Model T fire truck was purchased, the 1906 chemical cart was then modified to be a permanent part of the Model T. 1935: Our first motorized pumper, the Diamond T with a "Howe" pump was purchased and put in service. 1951: A Chevrolet van, used as a utility truck was purchased and put in service. 1958: Our current fire company's construction was completed. 1960: Elwood Heintzelman, a funeral director and member of the fire company, came up with an idea to start an ambulance corps in Slatedale. He furthered his idea by donating a LaSalle Hearse to the fire company which was then converted to an ambulance. 1961: A Ford pumper cab and body was purchased; It was then equipped with the "Howe" pump from the Diamond T. Mid 1960's: The Slatington Legion donated a 1957 Oldsmobile ambulance, which replaced the Hearse. The Oldsmobile was in service until July of 71. 1968: The fire company bought a 1952 Ford tanker from the Hecktown Fire Company. 1971: A 1967 Cadillac ambulance was purchased from the Centronia Ambulance Corps. for $200. This served us until 1976. 1973: The Ford Pumper's pump was found to have major mechanical problems; This is when a 1973 Ford Bean was purchased. The Ford Bean served us until 2012, which is when it was retired to make room for the newly purchased Ferarra Pumper, thanks to a federal grant. 1976: A brand new 1976 Dodge Van ...Read More