Our History
How it got started
A disastrous fire which destroyed the Trinity Evangelical Church in Garden View set into motion the formation of the Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company. The first meeting to form a volunteer fire company was held in the Franklin School Building on January 30, 1939 with 125 interested persons attending. The company was legally incorporated in March 1940.
The first piece of apparatus was a pumper purchased from the Glenwood Hook and Ladder Company of Long Island, New York. The purchase was made possible through public subscription and help from other area fire departments. On February 2, 1943, the company held its first meeting in a new fire hall located at the corner of Green Avenue and Mill Lane. Prior to that, the meeting were held in the Franklin School Building and the pumper was housed in a building owned by Z. H. Confair.
Exclusive Information
Please click years below for more information.
2009
2009 - Squad 14 Replaced
In April of 2009, our custom made engine arrived from Appleton, Wisconsin by Pierce. Our Squad 14 and Fire & Rescue Truck were sold.
1990s - 2005
1999 - Alliance with WBF
In 1999, we formed an alliance with Williamsport Burea of Fire to better serve our community.
2005 - Citizen & Northern Bank
The summer of 2005, Citizen & Northern Bank was built on our south parking lot.
1980's
1980 - New Pumper
American LaFrance pumper was purchased at $1000,000 other supplies & 5" hose was $25,000. Pumped up to 1,750 gal/min & 750 gal. tank. This new technology helped protect our community.
1987 - New Station Ceremony
On Friday March 17, 1987 a ground-breaking ceremony was held for the new station at Kenwood and Dewey Avenues. Completion took place during the fall of 1990.
1970's
1973 - Start EMTs
Emergency Medical Technians (EMTs) was a new field. In 1973 our 1st three EMT's were trained. In 1977 we bought our first modular ambulance
1977 - Explosion
On Jan. 27, 1977 tragedy struck on Sweeley Ave with a gas explosion. The explosion killed two people, destroyed two homes, and others.
1979 - Hurst Tool
In 1979 we purchased Hurst Rescue System at $6,500. Created a join fire investigation team with our police. The first paramedic unit began.
1950's - 1960's
1950 - New Housing
A modern building was completed for $30,000. It housed our apparatus & social activies. In 1953 our ambulance began thier 24hr emergency & routine service.
1958 - Purchase
An additional truck was purchased to carry men and equipment. Also a used ambulance was purchased in June of 1961 for $8,000.
1963 - Uniforms
A motion was passed to buy complete turnout gear for every fireman at a cost of $4,000. The fire police were also outfitted with new uniforms.
1977 Gas Explosion
On January 27, tragedy struck again with the Sweeley Ave, gas explosion. This explosion killed two people, destroyed two homes, damaged numerous homes, and injured dozens of people including 23 of our fireman, four of whom required hospitalization and several of whom suffered long term disability injuries. The gas explosion was a tremendously tragic event in our community's history. However it would play a most significant role in the advancement and improvement of our fire department. Late in the fall of 1977 the fire department took delivery of a new 1800 gallon tanker to replace the one destroyed in the Sweeley Ave. explosion.
1980 Construction of Station 14
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (Penndot) announced a proposal of the relocation of U.S. Route 15 North. OLVFC wanted to be involved in the project; once it was realized that the old fire station would have to be knocked down because of the new highway. OLVFC formed a building committee. However, funding for the highway and building project became a problem. A letter campaign was started to the State and Federal Officials to help remedy the dilemma. After two years a phone call was received allowing allocation in 1986.
The building committee worked diligently in the research and design of the new building. Many meetings and negotiations were held with Penndot and its administrator, U.S. Department of Transportation on the location and land needed for this new station. However disagreements constantly consisted between the parties.
The fire department had to call upon assistance from local legislators (George Gekas, U.S. Congressman; Thomas Dempsey, State Representative and State Senator Roger Madigan’s staff). In 1988 or Shortly thereafter a new offer was made and accepted in the spring of 1988. On Friday March 17, 1987 a ground-breaking ceremony was held for the new station at Kenwood and Dewey Avenues. Completion took place during the fall of 1990.
