It was in 1894 that the Munhall Volunteer fire Company #1, then known as East Homestead Volunteer Fire Company (East Homestead formerly being a part of Mifflin Township, one of the seven original townships in Pennsylvania), had it's headquarters station at Woods Alley. The Woods Alley firehouse, which consisted of a stable for the fire horses and buggy, would today, be located between 17th and 18th Ave. on Andrew Street. The fire station, which stands at the corner of 13th Avenue and Martha Street, was built until 1902.
On December 6, 1902 William R. Cox, J.C. Hill, and A.A. Young, officers of the fire company, appeared before G.W. McClung, justice of the peace to apply for a certificate of incorporation of the Munhall Volunteer Fire Company #1. Fourteen days later, Attorney J.M. Wright made a motion that a petition be filed and publication was made according to law. On January 24, 1903, a charter was granted for a corporation of the first class. After receiving its charter, an Uchre committee was formed to raise funds for necessities. Uchre evenings consisted of card playing among the fire company members. Monies from these evenings were used to purchase necessities such as a new lock and thirty keys, at the cost of $6.50.
In 1910, Munhall Fire Company #1 purchased its first motorized vehicle. Previously, the firemen responded to alarms by pulling a hose wagon along the street. If they were fortunate, the firemen would hook onto a wagon or streetcar.
In spite of hard times and the days encompassing World War II, which depleted the fire company out of 75 of its 100 firemen to military service, Munhall Volunteer Fire Company #1 has remained the leader of all companies throughout 100+ years.
Munhall Volunteer Fire Company #1 originated the first drill team, the first drum and bugle corps, and the 1930, formed the first harmonica band under the direction of D.J. Crawford.
In 1955, Munhall #1 purchased the first ambulance in the area. The vehicle was used just for transporting persons to the hospital until 1965, when the first emergency ambulance attendant school, sponsored by Munhall Fire Company #1, was held at Homestead Hospital.
In 1974, Bill Harakal, a member of Munhall Volunteer Fire Company #1 became the first Emergency Medical Technician. The next year, the company held the first Emergency Medical Technician class. From this class emerged 13 EMT's from Munhall #1. In 1976, four members of Munhall #1 attended a paramedic class sponsored by Allegheny County Community College and Homestead Hospital. From that class, Jim Hunt would become Munhall #1 first paramedic. He served Munhall and surrounding areas as a paramedic for the next 20 years.
In the 1980's, Munhall #1 began staffing two ambulances out of the station and answering over 1000 calls a year. In 1986 Munhall #1 purchased an advance life support response vehicle. This vehicle was the 1st of it's kind in Pennsylvania, and was the model for several other ambulance services including South Hills Health System.
In 1990, due to the increasing complexity of the emergency medical service rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, Munhall #1 established a separate company within the fire company. The new company was known as Munhall Medic One. This company was formed to oversee the EMS part of Munhall #1. With the formation of Munhall Medic One, it increased the company’s membership by approximately 20 new members.
In 1994 Munhall #1 celebrated its 100 anniversary with a yearlong list of activities, which included an awards dinner, picnic and an all day boat cruise for all members. At the dinner, each member was presented with a membership award and wristwatch with company logo on the face. At the end of the dinner, each member took home either a beer mug or wine glass with the company's 100-year information stenciled on it.
In 1995 Munhall #1 suffered a great loss when seven firefighters responding to an alarm were injured when the fire engine they were riding on, lost control and rolled and wrecked. William (Spence) Marks Was called to a better place that night, and the other six sustained serious injuries, and the 1974 Mack CF600 was totaled. As a sign of brotherhood, Whitehall Boro lent us a Mack CF600 witch got nicknamed "ghost".
In 1996, due to the increasing amount of ambulance calls and the complexity of emergency medical services, Munhall Medic One was disbanded and Munhall Area Pre-Hospital Services was founded.
In 1997, Munhall #1 took delivery of its current 55 ft. Smeal Squirt. This new truck was dedicated in memory of William Marks. This truck was the first of its kind in Munhall by having the capability to carry 8 firefighters, in an enclosed cab, with a 55 foot elevated aerial water way with an onboard cascade air storage system for filing 22-2216 air cylinders.
In 2001, we took delivery of a Ford F-350 extended cab super duty. This vehicle was equipped with a Royal Sport utility bed, which was to transport additional equipment and personal as needed. This vehicle was refurbished in 2008 when the old utility bed as upgraded to an all aluminum utility bed. Included in this referb, two rear jump seats were added and the vehicle was upgraded to meet the NFPA requirements for warning lights.
On October 22, 2011, Munhall #1 took delivery of a 1988 Ford E-350 Type III ambulance. This vehicle was refurbished in late 2011 into early 2012. This vehicle officially went into service June 1, 2012 as a mobile firefighter rehab unit named is 200 Rehab.
Over the past century, Munhall Volunteer Company #1 has been a leader when it comes to public service. Today we are looking towards the future and proudly remembering our past.
