History

The Glenside Fire Company began more than a hundred years ago as an all-volunteer fire company. GFC begins its second century as it originally began-as an all-volunteer company facing the same challenges it faced in its first century: fires, accidents, floods, and explosions.

The twenty-first century presents a new set of challenges for an all-volunteer department. The biggest one facing the company is finding volunteers in the 21st century who will continue the fine tradition of GFC. But the record of GFC remains strong. And the Company remains strong. In the new century GFC still responds when called-to the tune of 400-500 calls a year.

1900

The Glenside Fire Co. is granted a charter on May 17, 1900.

1907

After storing it's equipment in various garages, Glenside builds it's own single bay station at Glenside and Lismore Avenues.

1914

Justice Lumberyard Fire

On Christmas day 1914 a large fire would destroy the Justice Lumber and Coal yard at Glenside Ave and New Street. Companies from through out the area, including the City of Philadelphia would respond to assist the Glenside Fireman who would spend 52 consecutive hours fighting the fire. The coal bins would smolder until Easter with the Fireman going down every few days to wet it down.

1915

1st Motorized Truck

In 1914 the GFC would purchase a 1908 locomobile and convert it into a fire fighting piece of equipment and put into service in 1915.

1916

1st Trophies Won

The Glenside fire Company would win the first of it's now over 250 trophies that are proudly displayed throughout the station.

1923

1st Seagrave

The Company purchases its first purpose-built fire truck, a brand new Seagrave. It is equipped with a 750 gallon per minute pump.

1927

New Firehouse

The Company puchases land across the street from its station and builds a new station that is still used today.

1938

Recognition for Fireschool

Fire Engineering Magazine recognizes the Glenside Fire Company as having created the first organized fire school for volunteer fireman.

1941

Glenside "The Siren" Begins

The GFC forms a newsletter, “The Siren” which is sent out to all it’s members serving in the Armed Forces. The Siren is still produced today and is included in the companies annual fund drive mailing.

1949

1st ladder truck + Building Addition

The post war years brought a number of changes to GFC as Glenside grew rapidly and the need for additional fire protection increased. Glenside would purchase a 1949 65 ft. Seagrave, it would be the Townships first and only Montgomery Counties second all-steel hydraulic ladder truck.

1950

50th Anniversary

The Fire company proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary.

1961

1st Cab Forward Engine

GFC purchases its first cab forward pumper, a 1961 Seagrave.

1964

Trunk Market Explosion

A massive explosion rocks the Trunk Sweet Shop and Restaurant on Limekiln Pike and Willow Grove Avenue. The gas explosion is felt a mile away. Out of the mounds of rubble firefighters rescue seven of the occupants of the building. Two others do not survive.

1972

Bent + Accomac Fire

Smoke filled the sky as fire fighters battled a large house fire at Bent and Accomac Rd.

1973

Housing Twin 1972 Seagrave

The Company holds a large parade to celebrate and house its new twin 1972 Seagrave Pumpers and its newly renovated building.

1976

Lumberyard Fire

A large fire occurs at the Glenside Lumberyard. A well designed pre-plan and the valiant efforts of firefighters prevent it from spreading to the eight nearby fuel storage tanks.

1981

Primex Fire

A structure fire destroys a 100 year old feed mill at Primex Garden Center on Glenside Ave.

1982

Chlorine Leak

In December a garage fire turned much more sinister when two chlorine tanks began leaking. Over 1000 people would be evacuated and 15 Firefighters would be transported to the Hospital.

1997

Ladder 1 State Champion

Ladder 1 wins “best appearing and equipped aerial” at the Pa State Convention.

2000

100th Anniversary

Glenside Fire Company proudly celebrates its 100th year of volunteer service to the community.

2003

Cedarbrook Hill Apts.

A spectacular fire at the Cedarbrook Hill condominiums would test the high rise firefighting skills of the Company.

2010

Bell Comes Home

The Bell off of the 1930 Chiefs car would be graciously donated back to the company and put on display in one of the company's trophy cases

2012

Cedarbrook Country Club Fire

In the early hours of May 12, a large fire would destroy the old Ceaderbrook Country Club. Numerous alarms would be struck with responding companies setting up a very long and intricate water supply.

2015

Towers of Wyncote

For the third time in two years the firefighters high rise skills would be tested at the Towers of Wyncote. Numerous Companies from surrounding departments would once again handle the complex evacuation of 100’s of occupants without incident.

2025

The fire company celebrated its 125th Anniversary.