Hummels Wharf Fire-Rescue

The Hummels Wharf Fire Co. was organized by a group of citizens in the Evangelical Church where Henry Tharp was named president. The charter was granted in 1932 with Levi Moyer as president. The company has been serving Hummels Wharf and surrounding communities since it was instituted in 1924. The equipment first used by the company was a 1925 Model T Ford truck purchased by contributions and efforts of volunteers. The original Hummels Wharf Fire Co. was located for approximately 20 years in a building on land acquired from J.P. Kessler, which is presently located where Ink Spot Printing is on Park Road between Rts. 11&15 and the Old Trail. The company outgrew its small building and purchased the building that formerly housed the "Snyder County Bank of Hummels Wharf" from Wilson Stone. Located along the "Old Trail" about 5 blocks from the old location. The company then occupied a two-story brick building which housed a 1947 White truck with a 1200 gal. booster tank. In 1949-50, improvements were made, including a large social hall, the construction of a 4 lane bowling alley in the basement and a new truck room. A 1951 Mack sedan-cab pumper was purchased. Later, a 1958 equipment truck was added to the fleet. In 1975, a new MB Mack /Howe, 1000 GPM Pumper with a 1000 gallon tank was placed in service. This was the first diesel-powered fire apparatus in Snyder County. The equipment truck was replaced with a 1977 Chevrolet Step-van. This unit was equipped to function as a Command center and a Quick Response Vehicle. The 1947 White was sold. A 1974 MB Mack was purchased from Avoca Fire Company and was later refurbished by SWAB Wagon Co. An oil delivery truck was purchased from Scullin Oil and transformed into a 4200 gallon water tanker. The tank was later remounted on a used 1984 MC Mack. The 1975 Mack was sent to SWAB Wagon Co. to be refurbished and a new truck bay was built by the firefighters to house it. Both engines were very successful in winning many trophies at many parades as "best equipped" including 1st Place at the Pennsylvania State Convention. At the beginning of the new century, it was realized that the apparatus was getting old while the township was rapidly growing. A Fire Task Force was instituted by the Monroe Township Supervisors to identify the problems and plan some possible solutions to those problems. A Strategic Plan was written that would serve the company for many years. The Township Supervisors approved the plan and began assisting the fire company in making it work.