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Montgomery Hose & Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1
201 West Freedley Street
Norristown, PA 19401
610-275-7944
History
On Monday, November 22, 1847, citizen’s of Norristown met and formed the second oldest fire company in Norristown. It was called the Montgomery Hose Fire Company. They built their first firehouse on Penn St. near Swede St. A few years later, they moved into a new building on Penn St. closer to Dekalb St. Today, the company is housed on Freedley St near Pine St.
Through out the company’s history, the firefighters responded in many types of apparatus. In 1853 town council gave the company the Pat Lyon, a hand drawn pumper, which is still preserved in the firehouse today. In 1890 two dark iron grey horses were purchased to pull the apparatus. In 1911, the company purchased their first piece of motorized fire apparatus, a combination chemical and hose truck. Today, we respond in a 1997 KME Pumper, a 1988 Hahn Pumper and a 2002 Ford F350. We also preserve the company’s 1957 Mack Pumper.
Equipment has also changed. In 1942 the company purchased two Indian Tanks for possible use against aerial bombs during WWII. Today we have radiological monitors and thermal imaging cameras.
Although many things have change, the nucleus of this organization, “To Save Life and Protect Property” has not changed. Through liberal contributions from our citizens, and appropriations from city and state government, our company has grown and thrived. We thank you and proudly continue to serve the Citizen’s of Norristown.
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