History of South Newton Township Volunteer Fire Company

Founding and Early Years

On February 18, 1976, the first organizational meeting was held to establish a fire company for South Newton Township, presided over by John Brannan. Interim Trustees Irvin Bowers Jr., Samuel Martin, and Robert Frehn Sr. were elected to manage initial operations. The company was officially chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on March 15, 1976, as the South Newton Township Volunteer Fire Company #49.

The first official election took place on March 17, 1976, establishing the leadership structure:

• President: Irvin Bowers Jr.

• Vice President: John Holtry

• Secretary: Larry Davidson

• Treasurer: Kenneth McBeth

• Fire Chief: Albert Grove, among others.

Equipment Acquisition

In April 1976, the first firefighting equipment was acquired, including a 1958 Ford Tanker from Franklin Fire Company, Chambersburg, and a 1954 Ford Tanker from Vigilant Hose Company, Shippensburg. The total cost of $9,300 was financed through a $13,500 loan from People's National Bank in Shippensburg.

Initial Facilities

On April 1, 1976, the company signed a five-year lease with the Rehobeth Community Center at $300 per year for space to house their operations.

Community Support and Auxiliary

A Ladies Auxiliary was formed on April 29, 1976, significantly contributing to the community and fundraising efforts.

Expansion and Construction

In March 1977, two acres of land adjacent to the Rehobeth Community Center were purchased for $6,000 from John Pattison. Plans were quickly initiated for a dedicated firehouse. A building committee was established in May 1977 to oversee the project.

Original plans for a three-bay firehouse were drawn and approved in November 1977, with an FHA loan application submitted but ultimately disapproved in February 1978.

Building a Permanent Home

In March 1978, revised construction plans were drawn for a smaller, two-bay firehouse, and financing was secured through Farmer's National Bank with a $15,000 loan. Additionally, the company successfully completed repayment of an $18,000 loan from People's National Bank in Shippensburg ahead of schedule.

Groundbreaking occurred on April 8, 1978, with notable guests including State Representative Fred Noye, Mervin Morrison of Farmer’s National Bank, and township supervisors Maynard Naugle and John Lautsbaugh Jr. Construction officially began on April 15, 1978, and the new firehouse, costing $33,500 ($27,500 for building and $6,000 for land), was dedicated on September 3, 1978.

Ongoing Enhancements

In October 1978, a 1954 Dodge 4x4 truck was acquired from the State Bureau of Forestry to serve as a brush truck, expanding the company's emergency response capabilities.

Present Day

Today, the South Newton Township Volunteer Fire Company continues to serve as a vital asset, committed to the safety and well-being of its community. Volunteers remain at the heart of the organization, actively participating in firefighting, emergency response, and community outreach.