Monroeville Fire Company 6
1955-Present

In the beginning ….

A meeting was held at the house of Mr. Oscar Ackerson in November, 1955, to discuss the need for a fire department within the community of Garden City, in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. As a result of that meeting, an application for a charter was drafted. The newly created Monroeville Fire Co. No. 6 elected Al Wolters as its first Chief. He appointed Lou Jirak as First Asst. Chief, Al Nelson and Loren Beatty as Captains, Ellsworth Davis as Lieutenant, and Ray Snyder as Engineer.

The Charter Members Of Monroeville Fire Dept. No. 6:

The Fire Company approved the purchase of its first fire engine, a 1940 Seagrave on a Ford Chassis. The cost of the fire engine was $2,000. An additional $3, 500.00 was needed for equipment. The fire company voted to go into debt for the first time, by borrowing $5,000.00.

Listed from right to left: Loren Beatty, Mike Dojonvic, Max Heiss, Tom Ferris Joe Liebich, John Balentine, Bill Laroue, Bob Smith

The Fire engine was housed at Tony Tykes Gulf Station on Rt. 22 in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. A bay was shared with Monroeville Fire Co. 5. On April 27, 1957 at a special meeting, the fire company voted to erect a temporary building on Evergreen Drive, in the Garden City section of Monroeville, using $80.00 worth of wood and railroad ties.

A 1949 American LaFrance was purchased for $12,000. It is pictured in front of the barn that was built on Evergreen Drive.

On July 6, 1959, ground breaking began on a new fire station to be built on Garden City Drive, in Monroeville, PA.

Official opening of the new station in October 1959.

The 1960's

The early 60's found the dept. in need of generating more revenue to further purchase advanced equipment for the rapidly growing community. In 1961, Company 6 held it first of many Wednesday night bingos using equipment borrowed from Company 4. Along with Bingo, the company held its annual street fairs and held a car raffle. With profits from the various fundraising, new uniforms were purchased for members and 2 new Survivair masks were purchased in 1962 to help protect fire fighters.

Valentines Day Dance	Fireman's Fair

1964 found the member receiving additional training. Additional drills sessions were instituted while doctors from the VA hospital taught members the newly developed mouth to mouth resuscitation. Discussions on a new addition to the building were started and it was decided to replace the 1952 American LaFrance with a new Hahn pumper.

1965 Hahn

During the later part of the 1960's, fundraising efforts continued as a building committee was formed and given the go-ahead to make plans for the new addition. Groundbreaking for the new building occurred in December 1967. In the fall of 1968, with the dedication of the large hall in memory of fire fighter Melvin Lux (died in the line of duty), members took up home in the new Monroeville Fire Station 6.

Newly Built Station

The 1970's

Training continued with members attending various training schools and participating in live fire training. Communications were upgraded by placing several portable radios in-service and purchase of personal monitors for members at their homes. With the further development of the commercial areas in Monroeville, a historic agreement was signed between Monroeville and its fire companies providing an apparatus replacement program and funding for the fire companies. This allowed Company 6 to receive a new 1973 Ward LaFrance pumper and purchase a new squad.

1973 Ward LaFrance

Further equipment purchases included a 1977 Ford Rescue/Service truck and a new station mounted air cascade system with compressor to refill air bottles for all borough fire stations. Continued upgrading of various equipment rounded out the end to the 70's.

1977 Ford Service Truck

The 1980's

The early 80's brought upgrading of the departments fleet. Starting in 1980, the department ordered a Sutphen pumper for a total cost of $137,500. In addition to the new engine, the company bought a new squad vehicle, a heavy duty rescue truck and most importantly, a Braun ambulance. With the addition of the ambulance, the mission of the fire department became threefold with fire, rescue, and now medical service to the residents of Garden City.

1980 Sutphen	1983 International Rescue

1983 Braun

During the mid to late 80's, several major fires in Monroeville challenged all fire fighters. With notable fires such as Gateway Press, McDonalds, and the Eagle Ridge Apartments, the department training never stopped. Department members trained in EMS and fire proficiency including several live burns in donated houses.

Gateway Press Fire	Fatal Sunnyfield Drive Fire

One major development was undertaken by the members in 1988. During the spring and early summer of 88, it was found that the shopping plaza across from the station was up for sale. It was decided that the fire company should purchase the sopping plaza and in September 1988, Company 6 took possession of Garden City Plaza, assisting in securing the department's financial status for many years to come.

Throughout the 80's Company 6 continued its community outreach by donating surplus equipment to local departments such as Creekside, Springdale, and Holiday Park vol. fire departments. Then came the week of September 21, 1989 when Hurricane Hugo swept in as a category 4 hurricane hitting communities along the shore of South Carolina. In its path, it destroyed most of the fire equipment in Garden City, South Carolina. After hearing the plight of their department, members of Company 6 along with municipality officials decided to donate the 1973 Ward LaFrance, which was up for replacement, to the ravaged department.

Donating Engine To Hurricane Victims

The 1990's

The 90's brought several new additions to the department. Members received a new 1990 E-One Foam / HazMat engine and began further training in Hazardous Materials. Upgrades to the Municipality's radio system continued with all Monroeville departments switching to a state of the art ultra-high frequency radio system.

1990 E-One

Further upgrades to technology and safety included installing Opticom units at all traffic lights in town, development of personal accountability system, standardized turnout gear, and yearly physicals provided to members. Apparatus purchases continued with the department receiving a new 1995 Quality engine and purchasing a new ambulance and heavy rescue truck.

Current Fleet

Finally, after 25 years of wear and tear, a major renovation of the fire station occurred. New offices for administration and the chief were constructed along with a large bunkroom for live-in members including new bathroom facilities and a large day room equipped with a big screen TV.

Remodeled Crew/Day Room

The 2000's and beyond ….

February 2000 brought the department's most famous member Denver. Rescued from the Animal Rescue League, Denver arrived malnourished and needed affection. Though Denver took a little getting used too, the effort was well worth it. To see Denver's page, click his picture below.

Denver

Fire Prevention was increased greatly when members decided to apply for and received a grant from FEMA to purchase a Fire Prevention Trailer in 2003. This addition allows the department to progress in the mission to teach fire prevention and fire safety to the general public. Being mobile, it has been taken to various educational facilities and other outings in the local area to further teach the public. Company 6 believes in this vehicle is a vital tool for advancement of public safety and is willing to work with any organization wishing to use this federally provided vehicle for demonstration whether it is a school, scout troop, or even other local fire departments. For information on the trailer, contact the station via the number at the bottom of this page.

Fire Prevention Trailer

We are proud to call ourselves members of Monroeville Fire Company #6. Through dedication, training, service, and solidarity, we look fondly to the past, the present, and the future to provide the very best in all aspects of emergency service to our community.