APPARATUS OPERATED BY THE

FREELAND FIRE DEPARTMENT

1883-1922

During these early years, many fires were fought with bucket brigades. First hand drawn pumpers and hose carts appeared in 1885 and 1888 and by the nineteen twenties, several of these and a hand drawn ladder cart were in service. These carts were all purchased and maintained by the borough. On February 6, 1901 Freeland Borough Council voted to purchase a Amoskaag  steam powered pumper from the La France Fire Engine Company. The reason for the purchase was to protect property on the Hill section of the borough. 

1922

1922-Pump Number# 488, Job Number# 0404 Freeland, Pa.- 1883-1922

The Citizens Hose Company Receives their Reo/Hale pumper on November 24, 1922 with a Hale B/R 500-gallon per minute pump. This engine is the first motorized fire apparatus to appear in Freeland. the engine was purchased by the borough and remained in service until 1954. The engine served the community for 38 years and in 1958 was salvaged. The phase out of hose carts began, as the motorized era had arrived for the Freeland Fire Department.  

The video seen here is the Freeland FIre Department. The video is a structure fire  back in the late 1930's. 

The video was provided by the Freeland Historical Society. 

Music was added to the video when it was made into a dvd.

The station seen is the current Borough Building in area of Magistrate's office. 

The current portion of the station was added on in the 1950's.

The engine in the video was the first motorized engine for the town 1922 Reo with Hale pump.

The ladder was a 1924 Reo. The first accounted motorized ladder truck in the department.  

The call was in the alley between Front and Main streets. 

Enjoy the video !

1923

1924

Mechanization continued as in February 1924, the Citizens Hose Co. purchased their first piece of fire apparatus. Seeing the need to replace the hand drawn ladder cart still in service, the company purchased a 1924 REO chassis to be retrofitted to haul ladders. The chassis modification to haul ladders and equipment were made by the Freeland’s own Broskoskie and McFadden Iron Works. Along with ladders, a chemical tank and hose reel were installed on the new REO. This piece of apparatus started the Department’s commitment to ladder (truck) companies operations.

1939

The borough purchased a 1939 Dodge chassis to receive the back end of the Citizens Hose Co.’s 1924 REO, which was in poor condition. The rear of the REO was transferred intact to the rear of the Dodge. Some modifications to this chassis were later made to enable it to carry more ladders, as well as the removal of the chemical tank and reel.

1945

The borough purchased a 1945 Seagrave 750 GPM engine and placed it in service. The new engine had a 250 gallon water tank thus doubling the 125 gallons capacity carried on the 1922 REO.

1966

The borough purchased a 1966 FWD/Seagrave 750 GPM engine (Engine 52) and placed it in service. The engine had four wheel drive and a 500 gallon water tank. Also it was the first piece of borough front line apparatus that provided a roof for responding firefighters.

1968

The borough purchased its first aerial ladder truck, a used 1943 Seagrave 65’ aerial from Saint Louis , Missouri , Fire Department. The addition of a hydraulic aerial ladder was a great benefit to the fire department and replaced the 1939 Dodge ladder truck that was equipped strictly with ground ladders. The need for the aerial was becoming more obvious as serious fires in 1963 at the Marchetti Furniture Store in the Freeland business district and the 1964 blazes at the MMI Preparatory School (Foster Twp.) and Davis Feed Mill required the assistance of aerial equipment form the Diamond Fire Co. #2 of Hazleton City . The aerial quickly proved its worth at several serious dwelling fires in the borough as well as several mutual aid fires, one being the Methodist Church in White Haven in 1970. This was the first piece of aerial equipment in the area, aside from the two ladders trucks of Hazleton ’s Pioneer and Diamond fire companies. The aerial remained in service and played a major role in containing Freeland’s worst fire, the disastrous A & P Store fire at Front & Washington Sts. in 1974. Exposed to intense heat, the aerial was severely damaged mechanically at this fire and soon after was replaced.

1970

Sharp’s Bakery donated free of charge a 1964 Ford Boyertown van for use as an equipment truck. After an intensive effort by the department volunteers, it soon was placed in service with rescue and support equipment.

1974

The borough replaced the 1945 Seagrave with a FWD/Seagrave 1000 GPM engine (Engine 53). The engine carried 750 gallons of water, had a diesel engine, and an automatic transmission, all firsts for department apparatus.  It has a phenomenal history in not only Freeland but in the entire region as it has been utilized at some of the largest fires in the area. Fires at the former Freeland Dress Co. ( Falon Building ), Main St. White Haven, Jeddo Shops, Genetti Dinner Theatre, Jeddo #7 Breaker, Fritzingertown Nursing Home, and 600 block of Centre St. are some but not all of the major blazes where this engine pumped.

1974

The year brought another piece of apparatus that being a replacement aerial ladder. A1955 Maxim 85’ aerial ladder was purchased by the borough to replace the 1943 Seagrave. This was the only piece of front line fire apparatus from 1945 to this date in service with the department that was not emblazoned with the Seagrave name plate. This truck originally served in Stamford , CT. It also fought the noteworthy fires at Jeddo #7 Breaker, Trails End Bar, and the Freeland Dress Co.

1974

Due to the deteriorating water system in the borough a 1964 Ford C 1800 gallon tanker was purchased and retrofitted by the department’s volunteers to provide an additional source of water at a fire scene. This tanker soon was responding to incidents not only in the borough but in the entire mutual aid system.

1977

A 1976 Chevrolet C50 chassis with a Car Mar body was purchased by the borough to replace the overloaded 1964 Ford truck which was mechanically worn out. A breathing air cascade system along with support equipment were installed which provided for support to fire ground activities

1982

The Fourth Ward Fire Co. retrofitted a former Chevrolet utility van into a fire police van. This vehicle was equipped with emergency lighting, traffic directional devices, and barriers. It was donated to the Fourth Ward by Callelo’s Used Cars.

1984

The Citizens Hose Co. and Fourth Ward Fire Co. determined that the delivery of truck company functions to the community needed to be improved. The 1955 Maxim failed ladder inspection and certification which left the department with no aerial truck. A Seagrave 100’ rear mount ladder (Ladder 57) was obtained from the Fairmont Fire Co. of Lansdale, PA. Through a massive fund raising effort and a loan both companies obtained the necessary funds to make this purchase a reality. The department emphasized further developing the ladder (truck) company operations and trained its personnel in this function. This truck became the signature piece of apparatus for the department and was recognized for its appearance and capabilities. Many noteworthy fires were fought by this truck including the 600 block of Center St. , 400 block of Centre St. , Main St. White Haven, and the Genetti Dinner Theatre.

1989

The Citizens Hose Co. and Fourth Ward Fire Co. consolidated to from the Freeland Fire Department.

1992

Through a joint financial agreement with the borough and the department a 1992 Seagrave 2000 GPM engine carrying 750 gallons of water was purchased. This engine replaced the 1966 FWD/Seagrave which was incurring many mechanical problems. This piece of apparatus designated as Engine 54 is in service as the hydrant (supply) engine in the borough as well as the motor vehicle accident/fire response unit.

1994

The 1974 FWD/Seagrave 1000 GPM engine received a major rehabilitation by Interstate Truck Equipment of Hagerstown, MD. A new water tank was installed, pump plumbing was upgraded and modified, body repairs performed, and mechanical systems analyzed and repaired. Also the engine received a new application of paint. In 1997 this engine received a new pump. These investments have provided the community with an effective piece of fire apparatus well beyond the normal useful life of a vehicle of this type. Engine 53 was retired from service Memorial Day weekend 2011 after pumping it's last fire in the 700 block of Ridge Street in the Borough.

1994

The department obtained a 1974 Ford/FMC mini pumper through a lease with the Drifton Scotch Hill Vol. Fire Co. (Hazle Twp.). The pump and tank were removed and the vehicle was completely rehabilitated into a support unit. The Chevrolet fire police van was retired when this unit became operational. The department obtained title of the vehicle when the Drifton Scotch Vol. Hill Fire Co. was merged into Hazle Twp. Fire & Rescue which graciously donated the vehicle to the department.

1998

Again the department was faced with a failed aerial device as the 1968 Seagrave 100’ rear mount was no longer able to be certified. In order to continue to provide ladder (truck) company operations a search for an adequate replacement was pursued and a 1980 Seagrave 100’ rear mount aerial was located in Vernon , IL , by Northeast Fire Apparatus. Again a joint financial agreement was arranged between the borough and the department and this piece of apparatus was purchased. It received a body rehabilitation and was placed in service. This aerial device has continued to uphold the strong tradition of ladder (truck) company provided by the department and has operated at numerous residential and commercial structure fires both in Freeland and the surrounding area. Its most noteworthy incidents were the shoe factory fire in West Hazleton in 2007 and the multiple residential structure fire in the 1100 block of Centre St in 2009

2005

The department studied both its current and future apparatus needs and decided that the upgrading of the 1980 Seagrave 100’ rear mount ladder (Ladder 57) was the priority. A review was performed of all the options available and the decision was made to contract with Seagrave Fire Apparatus to perform this extensive project. The most important part of this project was the complete rebuilding of the main aerial ladder and analysis and repair of all mechanical and electrical systems. A cab enclosure, compartment modification, body repairs, a new paint application, and the installation of numerous safety systems was also included.

2007

The borough purchased a Ford F550/4-Guys utility vehicle to replace the 1974 Ford/FMC. This unit provides seating for five firefighters and is utilized to support the other department apparatus. It is equipped with a breathing air cascade system, Hurst Rescue Tool, dewatering equipment, emergency scene lighting, brush fire gear, emergency medical equipment, and various saws.

2010

The department obtained a grant from Operation Ranger sponsored by the US Tobacco-less Company and Gifts in Kind International.  This unit  is used for off road incidents and support vehicle for the department. The trailer used to haul the Ranger was donated by a very generous donor and supporter of the department and the community. The top for the Ranger was donated in Memory of Mayor Tim Martin.

2011

After reviewing our pumping capacity with both engines, department membership determined it was the proper decision to upgrade the engine company component of the department. Engine 53 was 37 years old and Engine 54 was approaching 20 years old so it was definitely time to make a purchase. Much study and planning went into the purchase of Engine 55, which is a 2011 KME Predator Panther 2000 GPM Triple Combination Pumper. The engine was designed with the most efficient plumbing design in order to provide for firefighting safety and flexibility. It is now the attack engine and mutual aid response piece for the department

2013

The 1980 Seagrave 100' Rear Mount Ladder Truck, the department membership decided to revert back to our tried and true method of providing truck operations to the communities we serve - investigating the used apparatus market. Through a vendor which the department had success with in the past, Command Fire Apparatus, a replacement rig was found that met our specifications. The Morrisville Fire Department in SE Pennsylvania recently disposed of their truck and it was just the correct fit for our needs. A 1998 Seagrave 100' Rear Mount Ladder Truck was the target and through creative financing by Freeland Borough the rig was purchased. The truck does not have a pump which provides for improved compartmentation which was a major factor to replace the existing rig. Increased riding positions (4 to 6), improved power train, and design updates (both structural and hydraulic) on the main ladder were just some of the factors in the upgrade