(10/18) On October 10th, the Fairfield Fire and EMS Company welcomed the community for an open house in celebration of its 100th anniversary. The station’s museum was also open, giving attendees a glimpse into 100 years of Fairfield firefighting history.
The open house included fire safety demonstrations, up-close looks at fire equipment and station tours, and a coloring contest for kindergarten through fourth grade. The coloring contest had 61 participants and the Fairfield and Fountaindale Fire Department chauffeured the winners to school in fire engines the next Friday.
When asked what the purpose of the Open House was, Fire Chief Bill Jacobs said simply: "So people can see what we do." Jacob’s credits 100 years of dedication with an amazing team of volunteers committed to helping the community in any way they can.
Jacob also credits a great junior fire program that engenders an appreciation for volunteerism in the community at a young age. A fair number of members who started as junior members continue to serve, according to Membership Secretary Diana Ratliff.
In celebration of the anniversary, Fairfield’s first motorized fire engine from 1928 was on display, renovated and on loan from Larry Spangler of Hanover. The 1928 chemical wagon contained extinguishing tanks and utilized fire hydrants to fight fires, according to Jacobs. The restoration and gold leafing were accomplished by Spangler Signs of Hanover. It took about six years of restoration to bring the vehicle back to its former glory of vibrant fire engine red, according to Spangler.
"We’re so lucky to find it restored," Jacobs said.
The Fairfield Fire company usually holds open houses in the Fall and Spring, but last year’s had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In spite of the pandemic, the company has still been hosting community events such as offering drive through chicken dinners out of the station’s kitchen, Ratliff said. "It’s about neighbors helping their neighbors."
The company is responsible for the for-emergency responses of various municipalities in addition to Fairfield, including Carroll Valley Borough, as well as townships such as Liberty, Hamiltonban, and Highland. The Fairfield VFC also provides mutual aid whenever other departments need a helping hand.
Fairfield Fire and EMS has 264 members and prides itself on having positions for anyone, no matter their interest. "There are many different aspects of volunteering that don’t necessarily involve fighting fires," Jacobs said. "Support is always needed for fundraising and with other behind the scenes aspects that keep the department running for the community, including Emergency Medical Technicians, fire police, fundraising, recruitment, computer support, kitchen help and much more. "
"It’s about people wanting to serve and protect their community," Jacobs said. "Everyone in the Company is excited to celebrate 100 years of achievement with the community and we are all dedicated to ensuing the company is around for another 100 years."
Members of Fountaindale Fire Company, who are preparing to celebrate their 75th anniversary on Nov. 7th were also in attendance. Fountaindale’s anniversary open house will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with celebratory remarks, light refreshments, along with t-shirts and challenge coins for sale. "We serve a good bunch of people," Chief Dave Martin said.
