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New Hanover Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services

2154 Swamp Pike
610-323-0800

On July 9,1970, a meeting was held in the New Hanover Township Municipal Building to attempt organization of a local fire company. Attending were John Bieleski, Maurice Gisler, Glenn John, William McElroy, and Donald Scheffey.

After Much hard work and with the support of New Hanover Township residents, the New Hanover Township Fire Company was chartered in April of 1971. The first elected officers were: John Bieleski, President; Maurice Gisler, 1st Vice-President; Prosper Guerre-Chaley Sr., 2nd Vice-President; Charles Heydt, Secretary; Glenn W. John, Treasurer; Ken Shollenberger, Trustee; Lee Dotterer, Trustee; Bill Euston, Trustee; Daryl Davis, Chief; John Bieleski, Assistant Chief.

The first pumper truck wad donated in 1970 and later a tanker was donated by [the] Upper Pottsgrove Fire Company.

The six and one-quarter acre tract at the corner of Swamp Pike and Romig Road was purchased in November, 1971, and new officers were elected for the coming year were: John Benincasa, President; Harold Specht, Vice-President; Joseph Dietz, Secretary; Glenn W. John, Treasurer; Lee Dotterer, Ernest Brunner, Henry Haydt, Norman Biehl, John Matz, Kenneth Shollenberger, Trustees; John Bieleski, Fire Chief; William Egolf, First Assistant Chief; Michael Alex, Second Assistant Chief.

The new fire chief, former president, John Bieleski, designed the fire house and construction began in the Spring of 1972 under his direction. The only cost to the fire company was the purchase of the land and the building materials used. Many contractors, construction workers, firemen, members and friends donated their time, skills, and knowledge to build the fire house.

The fire police squad was formed on January 3, 1973 with Edward Albert as Captain, with Harold Specht, Glenn Yarnall, Allen Sobeck, Gerald Renninger, William Moyer, Richard Freed, Laverne Nester, William Stout, [and] William Klemen.

In December, 1972, the company went into service with two pumpers, one with a 500 gallon capacity and one with a 300 gallon capacity, both having a 750 gallon pump. They were purchased as used vehicles from the Horsham Fire Company. The siren was donated by the Sassamansville Fire Company. At this time there were thirty active firemen in the company.

The formal dedication of the new fire station the housing of equipment took place on Saturday, September 15, 1973. The program from that day is where the above information is found.


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