Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
Engine - Truck - Rescue - TROT
Washington Fire Company Established 1858
In 1856 Mechanicsburg Gas and Water Company put into service a new pumping station. For the first time the borough had a water system sufficient to support organized fire protection in Mechanicsburg.
Though the borough had a fire engine it lacked the organization to use it effectively The borough fathers purchased a new pumper to complement the improved water supply. It arrived in the borough on December 29, 1857. That evening the Washington Fire Company was organized. With no station or other facilities it was decided to us the Town Hall on South Market to meet and house equipment.
Newspaper of March 25, 1858 reads:
"Presentation of Engine.-The Washington Fire Company assembled on the Square, on Monday after-noon, for the purpose of receiving the new Engine. which was presented in a neat address by Cal. W. C. Houser, on behalf of the Town Council. The Col’s address was responded to in an appropriate and feeling manner by Rev. A. C. Marlatt, President of Irving Female College, on behalf of the Company. After the presentation the Company proceeded to Irving, for a trial of the engine which resulted very satisfactory. It threw water over the spire of the College at a distance of 125 feet from the building."
The Officers of the original organization were
President R. Wilson
Secretary A. N. Green
Treasurer Dr. J.B. Herring
Engineer - Mathews
Assist Engineer W. Dornbaugh
Directors
R.H. Thomas
D. Kimmel
H. Dornbaugh
A group of gentlemen sent to work with the assistance for Union Fire Company of Carlisle to write the companies first Constitution and By-laws. With their work completed the Washington Fire Company #1 was formally constituted on February 22, 1858. The new organization was named for our first president whose birthday coincides with the company’s constitution. This date, February 22, is still used as a basis for the companies yearly Awards Banquet.
The authors of the original constitution and Bylaws
A.N. Green
Joseph Sanderson
Dr. J.B. Herring
W.C. Houser
R.H. Thomas
To attest to the companies history of public attention the newspaper of January 28, 1858 reads:
"New Fire Company.- The New Fire Company was out on parade, on Saturday, accompanied by the Keystone Cornet bans. They proceeded to the Cumberland Valley Institute, west of town where the power and efficiency of the engine was fairly tested in presence of a large crowd of spectators."
An article from about month later:
"Firemen's Parade. -Our town was visited by the Cumberland Fire Company of Carlisle. on Monday last, in acceptance of an invitation given by the Washington Hose Company, of this place. They paraded through the principal streets making quite a creditable display, after which they proceeded to the square for a trial of the power and efficiency of their engines. The test resulted in favor of the Washington, though when worked by its respective company a different conclusion was arrived at. . The Cumberland Company, when owing to their experience. - . were asked to work the Washington Engine, for it was not until then that its superiority was apparent -
To assist the new fire company in their efforts the Town Council purchased a used hose carriage, additional hose, and other equipment form Citizens Fire Company of Harrisburg. The Hand Pumper and Hose Carriage made up the extent of the fire fighting equipment in the borough at that time.
With the fire company needing a home and classroom and meeting space in store supply a three-story building was erected at 53 East Main Street. This building was to be use by the fire company for running their operation, the school district for high school classrooms, and as meeting space for town council and other town business. The original building was of three floors, and remodeled in 1907 the upper floor was removed. In 1958 the building was again remodeled and the original narrow doors were replaced with the larger overhead door. This is still the home of the Washington Fire Company to this day.
In July of 1869 the company bought its first piece of equipment. An 1850 Pope and Young Hose Cart was purchased from the Neptune Hose Company of Philadelphia. This hand drawn unit is still owned by the company and is currently on display at the Fire Museum of Greater Harrisburg.
The first mechanized fire equipment was purchases on July 18, 1870 in the form of a Model 9600 Silsby Steamer.
Additional equipment history can be found by visiting
On July 5, 1872 the company places hooks and ladders in various locations around town for use in emergencies.
In January 1931 the Washington Rural Service was formed. This service was to assist the surrounding communities with fire protection and give the membership added experience and opportunities. With modern mutual aid agreements is practice has gone by the way side with lives and property in all communities being the priority.
Today’s “Washies” are more dedicated to history then ever. Great steps have been taken preserve and restore our historic legacy. Our goal is to pass a viable, highly respected organization to our future members just as our forefathers did for us.
Designed and Maintained by
