"No personal consideration should stand in the way of performing a public duty" - Ulysses S. Grant. For the past 102 years, volunteer firefighters in Palmerton have exemplified President Grant's words quoted above. During the early part of 1902 action was taken to create a firefighting brigade, and on February 1, an association known as the Franklin Social Club was organized for this purpose. Quarters for the club were provided by the Palmer Land Company in the east side of the stone building located at the southeast corner of Lehigh Avenue and Third Street. On October 20, 1902, it was organized into a fire company..
On June 17, 1905, the company participated in the Four
County Fireman's Association Parade held in Slatington. Hand
carts composed the first fire fighting apparatus. One was in the
building provided for this purpose and located on the south side
of Columbia Avenue, west of third street and another was located
on the north side of Lehigh Avenue, midway between Second and
Third Streets. During 1906 a horse drawn cart was added to the
equipment. It was located in the carriage shed in the rear of the Horsehead Inn and was operated with the Inn's stageline horses.
During 1911, the Citizens' Cooperative Association, realizing the importance and necessity for a fire company, appointed a committee to take action to organize one. On August 16, 1911, the Chairman of the committee, Dr. J. W. Luther, called a public meeting in the Neighborhood House to consider the organization of a fire company. On September 6, 1911, the Towamensing Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 was organized. Immediate steps were taken to acquire additional apparatus by popular subscription. The horse drawn steamer was purchased and received February 16, 1912. The Borough of Palmerton assumed the operating and maintenance costs of the fire department on June 3, 1915. In November, 1917, the Borough Council purchased a new LaFrance Triple Combination fire truck.
Due to the growth of the community, the need for a second company became readily apparent. During February of 1918, West End Fire Company No. 2 was organized. On February 18, 1919, the following officers were elected: President, H. B. Wildermuth; Vice President, Arthur Frantz; Financial Secretary, William Behler; Recording Secretary, F. A. Ravert; Treasurer, H. H. Biege; Directors, Jesse German, Charles Vorosmarti, and Herbert Schaeffler. In April, 1919 a charter was applied for and was received during July of the same year.
West End Fire Company No. 2 occupied a shanty at the intersection of Fireline and Mauch Chunk Roads. Equipment consisted of three hand drawn carts stationed at important points in the area. Later, headquarters were moved to the bungalow at 957 Edgemont Avenue, 640 Hazard Road, and, in 1938, the New Jersey Zinc Company's former bathhouse on Princeton Avenue. In April of 1940, the New Jesrsy Zinc Company built an addition to the west side of this fire station and the 1934 fire truck was transferred from the No. 1 company.
In December 1945, with both fire companies participating, a drive was inaugurated to raise funds to purchase and house an ambulance. Through the wholehearted cooperation of the town and surrounding communities, this objective was met and in December 1946, quarters were completed on the east side of the No. 2 firehouse for the Superior Cadillac ambulance which was received in August 1947. A Buffalo Pathfinder engine replaced the old apparatus at the West End Company in 1948 and a new fire truck was added to the No. 1 station in 1956.
Of special pride to the members of the West End Fire Company No. 2 who took the initiative, but an inspiration to all volunteer firefighters and the Borough in general was the construction of the new firehouse on Princeton Avenue between Fireline Road and Walnut Street - approximately a block west of the former headquarters. Here on land provided by the New Jersey Zinc Company was erected in 1959 - 1960, a spacious garage for all motorized equipment and adequate facilities for social activities.
For some time previous to this year, Borough Council discussed increasing the efficiency of West End No. 2 by replacing the Buffalo equipment and some money was apportioned. A disastrous fire in March 1962, demonstrated the inadequacy of the local equipment and hastened the purchase of a 1,000 gallon LaFrance apparatus.
Alarms are sounded from sirens on the Central Laboratory building and on top of the West End Fire Company hall.
From the above, it is readily apparent that the fire companies of our community played an important role in the protection of our citizens for the devastation of fire. But, since 1962, West End Fire Company No. 2's dedication and service to the community has increased profoundly. In the early 70's, the officers, men, and ladies auxiliary of the West End Fire Company No. 2 lead various and sundry fund raising activities supported by the New Jersey Zinc Company and the entire community. Thousands of hours of volunteers' time led to the acquisition of the 1976 American LaFrance Snorkel, currently housed at the West End Fire Company No. 2. The same type of unselfish service assisted with the acquisition of the 1978 American LaFrance Pumper, which has since been transferred to fire Company No. 1 in 2002. When our area was hit hard by gypsy moths, West End Fire Company No. 2 initiated their own Gypsy Moth Spraying Program for the citizens. Educational activities also include sessions for senior citizens. In the late 70's and early 80's, again the officers, men and ladies' auxiliary of the West End Fire Company Company No. 2 organized and took the lead in acquiring another pivotal piece of fire apparatus, namely the 1981 midi-pumper which was totally financed by West End No. 2 Fire Company. When Hurricane Gloria visited our town 19 years ago, the fire company spent three days pumping basements and doing all it could to provide assistance for an area of our community later designated a federal disaster area by President Reagan. Of recent days the members of the West End Fire Company No 2 realized the need to upgrade its first due engine. Through years of fundraising with pizza sales, raffles, duck derby, and monthly breakfasts along with help from the Palmerton citizens, the Palmerton Borough, Horsehead Resources, and Palmerton Relief Association the acquisitions of the 2002 American LaFrance Engine currently housed at the West End Fire Company No. 2.
Since those long forgotten days of 1902, our Fire Company has lived by the words of Albert Sweitzer, "It is not enough to do one's daily job, support one's family, abide by the laws - that's all very well, but you must so something more. You must give some time to your fellow man, a something for which you get no pay, but the privilege of doing."
