Heidelberg Volunteer Fire Department celebrates 110 years

In 1909, Phillip Hillen was named chair of a group of 16 Heidelberg residents who had come together for the purpose of establishing a borough fire department. Its mission was “neighbors helping neighbors.”

In June, Heidelberg Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) will celebrate its 110th anniversary.

In the beginning, its primary purpose was to protect the homes and a large coal mine in Heidelberg. This was initially accomplished by means of a bucket brigade prior to hydrants being installed; thus, the original equipment inventory was a stack of metal buckets and 12 fire helmets. In 1911, they received a hose cart that was hand-pulled through town when needed.

In 1927, with financial support from Bowman Steel Co., the department purchased a 1927 American LaFrance motorized pumper, storing it in the rear of the borough building on East Railroad Street. In 1934, it faced its biggest challenge to date when multiple underground fuel storage tanks exploded near Bowman Steel. The fire raged for weeks and help needed to be brought in from other communities.

In 1947, they purchased one of the first post-World War II fire trucks made available. In May 1971, the department broke ground at 436 First St. to construct a new fire station. It opened in March 1972, equipped with a four-bay garage, 400-person-capacity social hall and a fully equipped kitchen.

Thirty years of work were washed away in September 2004 with the flood from Hurricane Ivan. The VFD building on First Street is 600 feet from the banks of Chartiers Creek. Water inside the building was more than 7 feet high and destroyed everything in its path. Members were able to remove all the vehicles and most of the firefighters’ protective equipment, yet structural damage to the building exceeded $750,000.

Luckily, the insurance agent, nearly 30 years prior, included flood coverage in the department policy. They operated in a makeshift station of two tents and a mobile office trailer in a parking lot for 12 months while renovations were under way.

The department moved into its “new” station in June 2005. The improved building was upgraded to include a brick exterior, new kitchen facilities, state-of-the-art heating and air conditioning, an emergency generator, wireless internet access and a beautiful social hall. Bingo is held every Thursday in the hall at 7 p.m. The hall is also available for rental by calling 412-722-6314.

New members are always welcome. Training is provided.

Call 412-276-5955 or visit the website at heidelbergfire.com for more information.