Arnold Station 95-1 is a 100% volunteer fire company located in the City of Arnold that is along the Allegheny River. We provide 24 hour truck and engine company services to our community and provide mutual aid to surrounding communities.
History:
In the year of 1892, the first fire fighting brigade in Arnold was made up of employees of the Chambers Glass Co., once situated where the current Public Safety Building now exists. Upon sounding the alarm, the employees were permitted to leave their place of work and proceed to the fire, pulling a Two-Wheeled Hose Cart, owned by the Chambers Glass Co.
The borough of Arnold was incorporated in the year of 1896 and it was in that year that the present organization began to develop. In 1903, a meeting was held at the Hotel Edna, which proved to be the foundation of the Arnold Volunteer Fire Company in the borough. Officials authorized the construction of the Fireman’s building in 1905 with council chambers arranged on the second floor. A temporary organization known as Engine Company No. 1 served the community until a citizens group applied for a charter under the present title, “Citizens Volunteer Fire Company No. 1” of Arnold Pa., in the year of 1906. The court approved charter was granted to The Arnold Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 on September 21, 1908 by Judge W.R. McConnell upon petition of the following citizens; Nelt Goslin, F.J. McAlister, R. Greno, John Burton, Robert Goslin Sr., James Mulvihill, O.D. Gailbraith, Walter Schorr, and James Keating. Adolph DelBauve was elected the first fire chief. A two wheeled hose cart was the first piece of equipment the fire company obtained from Kittanning Fire Department. Fire Chief De.Bauve consistently brought publicity to the fire company because of a well bred white horse used at times to pull the hose cart to the scene of the fire.
In 1916, Joe Antone served as Assistant Chief under DelBauve. A six cylinder Winton Fire Engine was purchased from the City of Pittsburgh in that year and was known as the “Red Robin.” It was the first motorized piece of equipment purchased by the firemen using company funds. The firemen under Chief Al Baker, encountered considerable trouble with this piece of equipment. They eventually met with the Burgess Howard Rieder and Council to purchase a new fire truck.
In the year 1921, the borough of Arnold purchased a 750 gallon Stutz pumper, giving the company the most modern equipment available and rendering not only undeterminable service to Arnold, but to many communities in this district. The truck was delivered on March 22, 1921. William Norris, employed at the American Glass Co., was the first appointed borough fire truck driver. This truck was rebuilt in 1935 when the motor was burned out going to the Miller Brothers fire in Tarentum.
In 1924, a group of far-sighted citizens of Arnold and members of the Arnold Volunteer Fire company No. 1 recognized that a potential problem could exist with the heavy freight train traffic that at times bisected the town. They felt that a properly equipped fire company in the hill district might prevent excessive damage to residences, churches, and schools where the response time may have been delayed due to the rail traffic. They eventually organized a group known as Arnold Volunteer Engine Company No. 2.
In 1930, 1931 and 1932 the members of Company No. 1 operated a soup kitchen during our nations depression to help feed the needy people of Arnold.
In 1931, the first Ambulance in town was put into operation by the members of Arnold Volunteer Fire Company No. 1.
In 1933, the members of the company organized a social club in order to raise money to support the fire company. The club still fulfills its original purpose today.
In 1937, the city decided to build a new Municipal building at the site of the fire hall. The fire company was housed temporarily at 1603 Fifth Avenue while the new building was being built. The new municipal building was completed in 1939, housing the City Official’s offices, Police Department, and the Fire Company.
In 1937, Citizens Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 and Arnold Volunteer Engine Company No. 2 held several meetings, thus organizing the Arnold Volunteer Fire Department.
During World War II, a newsletter was printed and sent to members serving in the armed forces. In 1944, the company purchased property along the Allegheny river at Warren, PA for use as a camp for veterans returning from service who wished to spend time there.
Chief Ernie Johnson met with Mayor Horne and Council to discuss the purchase of a new fire truck to replace the Stutz fire truck. A Mack fire truck was delivered in 1949.
The Life Members Association was chartered in 1951, with the stipulation that a firefighter who has 15 years of active service would be accepted into the organization.
To better protect the citizens, Chief Reno DiPasquale met with Mayor DeMao and Council to discuss the purchase of a 75 foot aerial platform truck. A Pierce Snorkel truck was delivered in June of 1971.
In 1978, a four bay fire station was built, housing the Fire company and Police Department.
In 1982, under Company Fire Chief Ron Balina, members under the supervision of C.A. Gentile rebuilt a 1956 Mack truck from two inoperable trucks. One belonged to the city and had serviced Arnold Engine Co. #2 and the other was purchased from J.C. Moore Company for one thousand dollars by the fire company’s Ladies Auxiliary. The two month project was completed solely by the members of the company spending less than $2,500.00 in all.
In 1985, Chief C.A. Gentile met with Mayor DeMao and council to discuss the purchase of a new engine to replace the 1949 Mack fire truck. A Federal E-One fire truck was purchased and delivered in September of 1987.
In 1998, under Company Fire Chief Art Errico and under the supervision of Assistant Fire Chief Mike Cross the company purchased a 1973 Mack CF pumper from the City of Aspinwall. The truck was improved with a new water tank, generator, lighting, and a completely refurbished body with all the labor being done by the members of the company. This truck was put into service replacing the company’s 1956 Mack at a total cost of less than $15,000.00.
Over the past few years the 1970 Pierce Snorkel was out of service more than it was in service and becoming a safety issue. In late 2009 City Fire Chief J.C. Tedorski and company Chief Gary Harrison applied for a grant for a new piece of equipment. The grant was approved and with the help of the city the company was able to secure a 2009 Sutphen 95' Tower demo. The tower was delivered in September of 2010 and put into service shortly after.
To protect/preserve life and property as a functioning truck and engine company to the City of Arnold and surrounding communities.
