Our History
On March 12, 1952 the first formal meeting of the SFVED was held at the present Joe Walker School in the Village of Lagonda in South Franklin Township, Washington County, when Washington Fire Dept. could no longer provide township fire protection.
First Officers of the
Department
President: Stewart Dague
Vice President: Newton Chadwick
Secretary: Earl Graham
Treasurer: F.W. Springer
Our Story
The 1950's
On April 10, 1952 the fire department purchased their first fire truck from Grantville, Maryland a 1940 Ford pumper for $3,500 ($38,600 in 2022) and was housed in the township garage, until the three bay fire station was built. April 24, 1952 the first line officers were elected. John Graham, Chief; Merle Richey, Assistant Chief; I. M. Chadwick, Captain; Frank Wold, lst. Lietuenant. Chief Graham served from 1952-1977; Tom Miller served from 1977-1978; Donald Greene served from 1978 to 1997. May 6, 1952 the Fire Dept. responded to their first fire (a grass fire) with 5 men. The fire siren was placed at Merle Richey's driveway on May 29, 1952. Six coats, boots, and hats were purchased September 25, 1952 to outfit our first firefighters. The first tank truck was proudly purchased from Sinclair Refining Company for $500 ($5,500 in 2022), a 1936 GMC. December 18, 1952 it was agreed to blow the siren at noon on Saturday was continued for over 50 years. The Woman’s Auxiliary was started in 1952. They made several thousands of dollars and donated it to the Fire Department.
On January 5, 1953 a lot was donated by Charles Baker Sr. for the original building on Jolly School Road. Charles Baker Sr. loaned the Fire Dept. $2,000 ($22,000 in 2022) for the building. On April 23, 1953 Charles Baker Sr. was unanimously voted an honorary life time member July, 1953 the charter was closed. January, 1955 the first meeting was held in the newly constructed Fire House. The first squad car was acquired in April, a 1955 hearse donated by Cowieson. In August, 1956 the mortgage on the building was paid in full. At a special meeting held on February 6, 1958 it was agreed to purchase a 1954 Ford F800 truck for $1,500 ($16,000 in 2022). September 26, 1958 was a busy meeting for the growing Fire Dept. They agreed to purchase 2 acres of ground for $600 ($6,000 in 2022) from Charles Baker and the township purchased a 1952 GMC army truck for Civil Defense to be used by the Fire Dept. The addition to the fire house is 28x34x8 with the blocks laid by William H. Hickman. On September 24, 1959 the first township canvass was held.
The 1960's
January 26, 1961 six phones were installed in members’ homes and one in the fire house with buttons to set off the siren.
April 27, 1961 more land was purchased from Charles Baker for $200 (lot size 95x89x126). A 1955 Chevy panel truck was purchased for $500 ($4,900 in 2022) and the squad car was raffled off in June, 1982.
February 3, 1966 a new C-850 Ford and Seagrave apparatus was purchased for $16,648.83 ($150,400 in 2022). The truck (Pumper 32) served the fire department for over 30 years. June 23, 1966 built an addition onto the fire house (20x40, garage). Vernon Neal loaned the fire department $5,000 ($45,000 in 2022) for the new pumper in July, 1966 and was voted an honorary member.
August 15, 1966 the answering service started.
August 1969 paid off note to Vernon Neal.
The 1970's
In May, 1973 bought a 1973 Ford (1,500 gal.) water tanker for $18,260 ($120,400 in 2022).
August, 1976 the 200 club was started by Charles Litman and Jeff Richey was very successful for 40 years.
May 25, 1978 was an important date for the South Franklin Volunteer Fire Department. They contracted with Washington Control for 911. Green Hills borough contracted the Fire Dept. for $1,000 annually ($4,500 in 2022), in 1984 the price was raised to $1,500 ($4,200 in 2022), 1992 to $2,000 ($4,200 in 2022) plus back fees.
We are proud of those who have thanklessly served before us, and hope to continue a long proud service to the community.
