SOUTH BROWNSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY NO.1

ORGANIZED MAY 18, 1908

The South Brownsville Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 was organized on May 18, 1908.  The first charter of the S.B.V.F.Co. #1 called for 30 active members.  These were the charter members of the S.B.V.F.Co. #1.  At the first meeting of the S.B.V.F.Co. #1, the members incorporated a constitution and by-laws to govern the fire company and to provide fire protectikon for South Brownsville  and Brownsville.

The first fire station of the S.B.V.F.Co. #1 was located at the Brownsville Borough building on Water Street.  The first piece of equipment of the fire company was a man drawn hose cart that could also be drawn by horse.  The fire company purchased a 1921 seagrave chain driven apparatus.  They also had a boat and grappling hooks.  They remained at the Brownsville Borough building at High Street and Second Street, Brownsville, PA.  The new fire station consisted of a truck bay on the ground floor, a meeting room, kitchen and rest room on the second floor.  During the stay at the fire station in the borough building, until 1983, the fire department purchased three new trucks.  A 1954 Seagrave 1250 gal. pumper, a 1962 Seagrave 1250 gal. pumper and a 1974 Seagrave 1000 gal. pumper.  Also purchased was a river rescue boat with motor and a 1976 Chevy van.  In 1982, the department purchased a 1954 Seagrave 85' aerial apparatus.  Due to the confined space at the borough building, the department housed its aerial truck at the Hiller Fire Department.

Because of the newly purchased equipment, the department was out-growing their current fire station.  At this time the S.B.V.F. Co. #1 sent representatives to address the borough council on purchasing a new building for the department.  After discussing the matter with the borough council and forwarding several proposals, the department decided to move into the old armory building on Water Street.  Remodeling on the station began immediately with the help of many local companies, businesses, community people and fireman.  There were many man hours, labor and work involved in the renovation and remodeling of the new station.  It was finally completed in early 1985. 

Late in 1985 came the Brownsville Flood.  With a lot of help from the volunteer fire companies and volunteer fireman who dedicated their time and work, the department survived the disaster.

The new South Brownsville Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, Water Street, Browsnville, PA included four bays to house the trucks, a kitchen, social room, rest rooms, meeting room, radio room and office.  The equipment at the station included a 1974 -100' aerial apparatus, 1969 - 1250 gal. Seagrave pumper, a 1974 - 1000 gal. Seagrave, a 1987 Ford air cascade truck, a river rescue boat, drop tank and a air cascade generator and compressor.