listie fire department about us

The Listie Volunteer Fire Company was founded in 1952. The first meeting was held in February 1952 at the old schoolhouse in Listie.

On May 9, 1921, fire had destroyed the local motel, restaurant and dance floor. This is where the old hall stands today. The old fire hall was built in 1952. Paul Wolford and Tom Pucci donated the land where the old fire hall stands today. The fire members borrowed up to $9,000 from the Berlin Cemetery Association to build the hall.

Before the fire hall was built, the trucks were kept in the Milard Shaffer barn, which is about where Steinkirchner's is today.

The 1952 Officers were as follows:

President: Harvey Mull
Financial Secretary: Marko Biancotti
Corresponding Secretary: Harold Urban
Treasurer: Paul Wolford
Chief: Charles Heist

In 1961 - 1962, the Listie Fire Department bought the Listie Grove from Stauffer Coal Company.

In the 1950's, fire calls could be received at Harold Urban's residence and the siren could be sounded. The siren could also be set off at the fire hall. In the early 1970's, radio communications were established. Communications consisted of a base radio and radios in the trucks.

Fundraisers were in effect in the late 1960's and 1970's. The fire company hosted a circus held at the Listie Grove. The circus, named Sells and Gray, consisted of two shows --- one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Both shows sold out. In September 2002, Listie Fire Company held a carnival with rides and fireworks.

Original gear for the firemen consisted of raincoats and gum boots with steel helmets. The original S.C.B.A.'s were set up with canister-type bottles and could only be used ONCE!!

In 1980, a new truck hall was built costing $28,000. Svonavec, Inc., donated the land where the current truck hall is located.

In 2002, the new pulling track was finished at Listie Grove. The first pull was held on September 13, 2002 with a turnout of about 200 trucks. Also in 2002, a new siren was installed near the Listie Fire Company's social hall.

In 2007, the Fire Police was formed. The Fire Police members are as follows: Captain Mardi St. Clair, Lieutenant Jo Will, Dave Will, Matthew Shaffer, Brenda Shaffer, Joe Walker, Lorraine Holt, Sandy Rand, Justin Yachere, Nick Paugh, and Brandon Briskey

FIRE APPARATUS THROUGH THE YEARS

1922 American LaFrance Pumper was bought from Somerset Volunteer Fire Department in 1952 for $1. This truck was returned to Somerset.

1952 Chevrolet with a 500-gallon front-mouth pump was purchased from Waterford Fire Company.

1959 International Pumper was purchased from Bellefonte Fire Company for $9,000. It was sold to Seven Spring Fire Company for $3,500.

1960 International Pumper, with 1,000 GPM pump, was purchased from Murrysville Fire Company for $17,000. This pumper was in service as 602-4.

1971 International Tanker with an 1800-gallon water tank was purchased in 1984 from 4-Guys Fire Equipment for $10,000. The tanker was refurbished in 1988 for $15,000. In 1995, the chassis was replaced with a 1991 4900 series International bought from Ryder Truck for $20,000. The firefighters, Signman Signs and LS&E did the labor. The tanker is in service as 602-7.

1971 International Pumper with a 1,000 GPM pump was purchased in 1986 from Jennerstown Fire Company for $27,000. This pumper was sold in 1998.

1972 GMC Brush Truck was purchased in 1987 from Somerset Volunteer Fire Department for $1. The truck was sold in 1996.

1978 Ford Econoline 350 was purchased from Whally Ford in 1979 for $8,000. This vehicle was replaced with a 1975 C-65 Chevrolet mid-sized Rescue Squad, which was purchased from Berlin Fire Company for $20,000. The squad was refurbished by LS&E in 1994 and was repainted in 1999. The squad is in service as 602-6.

1985 Hendrickson/Grumman with a 1,250 GPM pump, a 750-gallon water tank and a Foam Pro foam system, was purchased from Oakland Volunteer Fire Department in January 2001. This engine was refurbished by LS&E and the members of Listie Volunteer Fire Company. This engine is in service as 602-4.

1996 Freightliner-Lincoln Pumper, with a 1,250 GPM pump, an 1,100-gallon water tank and a KK foam system, was purchased in 1997 from LS&E for $149,143. This was the first new engine bought for the Listie Volunteer Fire Company. This engine is in service as 602-5.