Scottdale Volunteer Fire Dept. Central Station
N 40° 06.105 W 079° 35.415
17T E 620159 N 4440003
The Scottdale Volunteer Fire Department Central Station is located at 317 Pittsburgh Street in Scottdale Borough, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
Waymark Code: WMY13X
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 03/30/2018
Views: 0
Source: (
visit link)
"In 1886, the first piece of equipment purchased by the borough; was a hand drawn chemical wagon. The two wheeled hand drawn cart and buckets were the town's only fire protection until 1890. Fire hydrants were installed in the borough in 1890, and hose carts. In 1894 a ladder wagon was added to the fleet. The equipment was never horse-drawn, but was hand-drawn until motorized vehicles were bought in 1916. The hose cart bougt in 1897 for $125 was restored and placed at West Overton Museums in 1957.
Several fires of considerable magnitude occurred in 1895, and the community felt some type of organization was needed to protect Scottdale. In April of 1886 a meeting was held in the Opera House, but nothing was accomplished until July 8, 1886. W.N.Porter was previously chosen chief, announced the following appointments: Robert Garret and J.P Owens, captains. John L. Dick, chief, James A. Fee and John A. Ray, lieutenants. And the department had one hand drawn chemical fire wagon.Shortly thereafter another wagon was purchased, and in 1890 the department added four hose carts, and a hook and ladder truck (wagon). The first fire signals (alarms) were the whistle for the rolling mill, Charlotte furnace, or by chance steam locomotive at the train station.
By 1899, Scottdale was known as one of the best-equipped volunteer fire departments in the state. The membership was 82 and all were uniformed.
The 1899 officers were: J.C. Morrow,president; J.D. Sisley, vice president; D.N. Carroll, treasurer; I.F. Boles, secretary; and W.N. Porter, chief.
The Central Fire Station on Pittsburgh Street, was dedicated on Friday, Aug. 31, 1973"