History of Citizens Fire Company Number One of Enola
(as taken from the 1977 CCVFA Convention Booklet)

The Enola Fire Company No 1. was organized in 1905 starting as a bucket brigade.  Later a 1906 two wheel hose cart was added and then a four wheel hose cart with all the latest equipment was purchased and put into operation.  The equipment consisted of hose reel, ladder, and a special little box behind the front seat for a bottle of schnops to help Firemen get their breath after a long pull.

Our next piece of equipment was really modern.  It was a motorized, chain driven truck purchased from the Carlisle Fire Department and stored in a newly erected brick Fire House just large enough to hold this piece of equipment.  in 1924, a new LaFrance Brockway Torpedo Triple Combination Pumper Chemical and Hose Motor Car was purchased.  We were the pride of the "West Shore."

In 1928, the cornerstone for our present Fire Station was erected on the site selected because everything was down hill from the Fire House.  On September 12, 1929, two years after Cumberland County Firemen's Association was founded, the first convention was sponsored by the Enola Fire Company in conjunction with the dedication of our new Fire Station.

Our company, like most others had difficult times during the depression.  In 1942 we reorganized as Citizens Fire Company No. 1 of Enola and began an uphill struggle.  Our apparatus broke down in 1943 with no parts available for repair.  We received a 500GPM pump mounted on a trailer from Civil Defense which was used until our 1945 Brockway was delivered.  It was the newest and best looking apparatus at the time.  With extras such as a windshield and a big 500GPM pump the cost was approximately $5000.00.

Through many more hard years and a lot of hard work we paid for our truck and building.  In the 50's we purchased our first emergency truck, a used Bell Telephone truck which we operated until we purchased a 1961 GMC pumper with a 750GPM high pressure, power take-off pump.  For the next 10 years we operated with 2 pumpers.

On September 4, 1970 we retired the 1945 Brockway and accepted delivery of our 1969 Chevrolet Rescue Truck from Swab Body works in Elizabethville.  This truck is very unique and the first of its kind.  With a 250GPM pump, 7500wt. generator and heavy duty winch already mounted, this truck has been used as a demonstrator and copied by many fire and rescue companies.

In March, 1975 we received our most recent acquisition.  A lime yellow 1975 Chevrolet with a Darley 750GPM high pressure three stage pump.  The 1961 GMC pumper was sold to the Junction Fire Company, Lewistown and if you look close, you may see it in the parade on Saturday.  The 1961 GMC was dedicated to our Past Chief Phil Fordney, Fire Chief for 36 Consecutive Years.  In June of 1975, we dedicated the 1975 Chevrolet to him, and presented a plaque to his wife, Mrs. Goldie Fordney.

In May of 1977, we repurchased the 1945 Brockway to restore for parade purposes.  We are working to install the parts as close to the original as possible.  It was in terrible shape when we got it, but things are looking better.  This brings us to date, and we hope you enjoy the convention as much as we enjoyed hosting this important 50th Anniversary Celebration.

NOTE:  It was the CCVFA's 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Some major milestones since then:

In 1994, we took delivery of a Darley Rescue.

In 2001, we sold the 1974 GMC Pumper, and it went out West.

In 2001, East Pennsboro Township gave us the 1969 American LaFrance reserve engine, and we have been running it as our first-due engine.

In 2004, Bobby and June Rudeck (Chief & Secretary) donated a 1994 Ford Explorer to the fire company to be used as a utility.  It was painted in the same white-over-yellow paint scheme as the rescue, and is currently in service as Utility 18.

At 18:14 hours on Tuesday July 25 2006, the 1969 American LaFrance being used as Engine 18 went permanently out of service.  We have decided to specialize in rescue operations.  Engine 20 and Truck 17 were added to our local alarms.  The engine was returned to East Pennsboro Township.

In August of 2006, members built a replica of the bell tower that was originally on top of the firehouse.  This new bell tower is located in front of the flagpole, in front of the firehouse.  Over the summer of 2006, the original bell was sent out and re-finished.  This will be dedicated on September 14th 2006, at the 2006 Cumberland County Volunteer Firefighters Association Convention Dinner.

In September of 2006, Citizens hosted the 79th annual Cumberland County Volunteer Firefighters Association Convention, to help us mark 100 years of service to the community.

On November 16th 2006, TEAM 500 (TROT) was dispatched for its first call...which was right here in East Pennsboro Township, in West Enola's coverage area, for a possible basement collapse.

On November 18th 2006, a trailer was purchased to be used for storage and transport of our specialized rescue equipment.

If you have anything that you can contribute, it would be greatly appreciated.  We are looking for photos, memorabilia, newspaper articles, and anything else we can get our hands on.  If you have originals, we can either take pictures of, or make scans of items.

Please contact us at: