As an introduction to the Newportville Fire Co. 1, I would like to state some short background of the company, where we came from, where we are at now, and our plans for the future. In 1927 our company was founded by a group of gentleman with the early vision of a fire service for the protection of its area residents and their property. The funding for the fire company came from its members, who b
uilt the first fire station themselves along New Falls Road in Newportville. It wasn't long before the realization of extra funding was a must. To keep their visions and goals towards providing the best fire protection as possible for the community, fundraising was started. Bake sales, picnics, and an annual turkey dinner which became very well known with attendance upwards of 700 people, along with whatever donations the residents could afford, funded the company. The equipment was all used until the first new Mack Fire truck was purchased in 1945. Because of the war effort, the truck was not delivered until 1947. Some of the other equipment was built by the members of the fire company, such as an old refinery tanker used to transport water to the fires. In 1947 the company also saw the formation of the Ladies Auxilliary, which helped the fire company and the community. In 1955 a major flood hit our area and flooded the Neshaminy Creek, devastating the Newportville area. Many residents lost everything they owned, and were displaced. The Fire Company set up a shelter, clothing and household goods were gathered, food was prepared and served, and the Red Cross and Salvation Army set up medical assistance. This incident sparked a newer interest and the vision of the founding fathers was more defined. Extensive training was started in Newportville and was attended by other companies in the area, becoming in later years the Bucks County Fire School. In 1953 a new 750 gallon-per-minute American LaFrance pumper was purchased and in 1956 an addition to the old building was made to enlarge the truck housing area and provide a new kitchen in order to help make our fundraising easier. Realizing then that the property they were on was soon to be outdated, a new parcel was purchased just up the street. In the early 1970's, plans were drawn up by members and a new station was designed with the visions of the founders still in mind, that the company would be able to serve the community well into the future. July of 1973 was another extremely proud moment as we moved into our new and modern station! New equipment was purchased over the next few years, and the expansion of our services was soon realized. Rescue services for auto accidents became available with the Jaws of Life. Training took on a new meaning with an even stronger committment. As always, the funding was difficult and the members, with a dedication to their goals, moved onward. In 1996 the company realized that with the industrial and commercial growth in the area and the new and improved highway system ever expanding, the possibility of a large-scale incident was eminent. In 1999 the company purchased a new large Rescue vehicle with many added capabilities. Along with this came an expanded view with much more training needed. Talk around the county of a highly trained group of rescue personnel was sort of passed over. Then came 9/11 and the sudden change to everyone's view of the emergency services throughout the county.
2002 Brought a new, stronger than ever interest in the formation of a highly trained rescue task force. This task force is spear-headed by Fire Companies and Rescue Squads in Bucks County. Newportville Fire Company is one of them, with again a strong commitment and visions towards the future and the community it serves. During the year 2002, the members have aquired over 3100 hours of additional training over and above the required training to become a firefighter, and its continuing still into 2003. The formation of the Bucks County Technical Rescue Task Force will become a reality in 2003 and Newportville Fire Company will be a committed leading member of it. Unfortunately, again the funding for the equipment needed is falling short, and even with all our efforts at fundraising, the cost of some of the items needed are still out of our reach. We may be able to acquire these items later on down the road, but 'later on' is just too late. Later on was yesterday, and the rapidly changing events of today's times are dictating our path. As you have read, the Newportville Fire Company and its members have a long history of giving their time and lives unselfishly to the community they serve. Past Chief - Ed Wimmersberger
