Our History

Proudly Serving West Norriton Township Since 1909

Jefferson Fire Company No. 1 has proudly protected the residents, businesses, and visitors of West Norriton Township for more than a century. Built on dedication, service, and community pride, our history reflects generations of volunteers who answered the call when their neighbors needed them most.

What began as a small community bucket brigade has grown into a modern emergency response organization serving West Norriton Township and surrounding communities.

The Beginning

On May 11, 1907, members of the Jeffersonville community gathered in the home of Rev. William Tatlock, pastor of the Jeffersonville Presbyterian Church, to discuss organizing a local fire company.

Just days later, on May 20, 1907, the organization adopted its Constitution and By-Laws. Due to limited funding at the time, a charter was not immediately pursued. The company’s first firefighting equipment consisted of twelve buckets stored in a nearby wagon house for emergency use.

As the organization continued to grow, the company officially adopted the name:

“The Volunteer Fire Company of Jeffersonville”

On October 14, 1907, Irvin A. Markley became the first member elected outside of the original charter group. Around that same time, the company purchased two six-gallon Babcock Soda-Acid fire extinguishers to strengthen its emergency response capabilities.

Early Fire Protection

By December of 1907, the company had purchased an engine tire that was used to sound the alarm for fires throughout the community. A hand cart was also placed into service to transport firefighting equipment and buckets to emergencies.

On January 20, 1908, the company established a “Cadet” membership program for local young men under the age of eighteen who demonstrated good physical ability and strong moral character — an early example of the department’s long-standing commitment to youth involvement and training.

The company responded to its first recorded fire on July 10, 1908, at one of the barns located at Norristown State Hospital.

On April 6, 1908, the fire company officially received its charter and adopted the corporate name that remains today:

Jefferson Fire Company No. 1

Growth and Expansion

As the community grew, so did the fire company.

During 1910, plans were initiated for the construction of a new firehouse. Prior to having permanent quarters, members were forced to find heated storage locations during winter months to prevent equipment from freezing.

In 1912, the company began expanding its response capabilities when the Equipment Committee authorized modifications to allow the Chemical Engine to be towed behind an automobile. This marked the beginning of the department’s transition into motorized emergency response.

That same year, construction began on a new firehouse located at 1987 West Main Street after township commissioners donated the required sand for construction.

By 1913, the firehouse had its first telephone installed — a major advancement in emergency communications at the time.

In 1915, the company purchased a Chadwick automobile and converted it into a motorized apparatus capable of carrying firefighting equipment and the Chemical Engine body.

Modernizing the Fleet

The company continued modernizing throughout the 1920s and 1930s.

In 1923, Jefferson Fire Company placed a new Hale Chemical Combustion apparatus mounted on a Reo chassis into service. Later that same year, the company hired its first official driver — an important milestone in the department’s operational growth.

On October 14, 1935, the company approved the purchase of a new engine built by the Hale Fire Pump Company on a Ford chassis to replace the aging Reo apparatus.

The 1950s and Beyond

The 1950s brought major changes and modernization to Jefferson Fire Company.

Members began attending Pennsylvania State Fire Schools, including training programs in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, bringing back new firefighting techniques and operational knowledge that strengthened the department’s capabilities.

On March 12, 1951, the company purchased a new Maxim pumper mounted on a Ford chassis to replace the department’s 1928 Brockway pumper. The new apparatus officially entered service on November 3, 1951.

In 1956, the company approved the purchase of a Ward LaFrance Model 83-T 750 GPM Triple Combination Pumper. The apparatus was placed into service in March of 1957, while the older 1936 Ford apparatus was converted into a service truck. At that point, Jefferson Fire Company had grown into a three-piece apparatus company.

Expanding Emergency Services

In June of 1962, the company expanded into water rescue operations after receiving a donated wooden boat and trailer. Due to the department’s proximity to the Schuylkill River, the equipment became an important part of rescue and search operations.

As the township continued to expand, the need for a larger and more modern station became clear.

In 1963, plans were developed for a new firehouse at School Lane and Egypt Road.

Groundbreaking began in May of 1964.

On February 22, 1965, Jefferson Fire Company officially moved into its new headquarters located at:

85 School Lane

West Norriton Township, Pennsylvania

The building was formally dedicated on May 22, 1965.

The department continued expanding its fleet throughout the decade:

• In 1967, the company added a fourth apparatus after purchasing a 1948 Chevrolet van from Harmonville Fire Company.
• In 1969, the department took delivery of a new 1,000 GPM Ward LaFrance pumper equipped with a 750-gallon booster tank.

Continuing the Tradition

For more than 100 years, Jefferson Fire Company No. 1 has remained committed to protecting West Norriton Township through volunteer service, training, professionalism, and community dedication.

Today, the department continues to respond to fires, rescues, medical emergencies, hazardous conditions, and public service calls while carrying forward the tradition established by the members who built the company generations ago.

Pride. Tradition. Service.