Franklin Park Fire Co.

Mark Landis' Franklin Park Fire Company Web Page

THE BEGINNING-THE 1920s

When fire destroyed the home of one of the early families of the community on October 18, 1921, 18 concerned neighbors gathered in the single room of the Neely Public School. There, a vote was taken to secure a charter to form and operate a volunteer fire company. Many of them donated $50 to start the company -- a sum in those days equal to or better than a months wages. When another farmhouse was totally destroyed in November, other residents contributed money to the cause as well.

The newly formed fire company immediately ordered a one-ton Ford chassis and an Ajax Chemical extinguishing unit; its total cost was $1,406. However, the infant company had no garage, so the truck was kept in Isaac Wright's garage at the corner- of West Ingomar and Rochester Roads. (In later years this location became known as Ben Milbert's garage.) Isaac Wright, custodian of the truck, was appointed the first fire chief of the company.

JOHN CRISPENS, JR., DRIVING THE FIRST FIRE TRUCK -- FORD CHASSIS WITH AJAX CHEMICAL UNIT.

On June 22, 1922, the charter for the Ingomar Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 of Franklin Township was received, filed and recorded -- the company was officially incorporated!

INCORPORATED
FIRST TRUCK IN SERVICE
FORD CHASSIS WITH AJAX CHEMICAL UNIT
JUNE 22, 1922