Our History,
Hello, We were asked to say a few words about the history of Cornwell's Fire Company #1. It's not easy to put eighty-eight years of history into a few minutes, but we will try to hit some of the highlights of the company.
Cornwell's Fire Company was the first fire company in Cornwells Heights, now known as Bensalem Township. January of 1915 fifty members in a frame building located at the corner of Bristol Pike and Cornwells Ave, founded Cornwell's Fire Company #1. At that time the sounding of the alarm was not only a call for the men, but for horses as well. If there were no horses available the men would pull the apparatus to the fire. The apparatus was equipped with two tanks in which soda and acid were mixed to make the chemical to fight the fire. The first Fire Chief was John Page, the first Assistant Chief was Ralph Simon and the President was J. W. Simon. There were five fires reported in 1915.
1916, there were seven fires reported.
In February of 1917, a Brockway Truck was purchased and two chemical tanks were placed on it. There were twelve fires reported.
1918, this was the war year, but still nine fires were reported.
1919, the first uniforms were purchased for the members, and four fires were reported.
1920, six fires were reported.
In December of 1921, the chemical tanks were placed on a Model T Chassis and fifteen fires were reported.
1922, nineteen fires were reported.
In May 1923, a Traylor Truck was purchased and chemical tanks were placed on it, Traylor was a ship builder located on State Rd. in Cornwells Heights.
In November of 1928, a Seagraves Pumper was purchased and realizing the need for more water at the fire scene, two International Tank Trucks were put into service.
1946, the company joined the Interstate Marine Association and purchased a boat for water rescue.
1948, we received delivery of a 750 GPM Ward LaFrance Pumper.
1949, Cornwells Firemen's Relief Association was formed and charter procured.
1950, through the generous donation of ground by the Sister's of Saint Elizabeth's Convent, a new firehouse was started.
1955, we moved into our new firehouse located at 2049 Bristol Pike, where we are still located today.
1956, with the increase of cars and trucks there became a need for a rescue truck to aid with people trapped in automobile accidents. A rescue truck along with a GMC Pumper were purchased.
1963, our Chief at this time was Bill Ervin, who became the first Fire Marshall.
In February 1964, we received a new Mack Pumper.
1967, with the increasing location of the hydrant system in our area, the tank trucks were slowly phased out.
1971, we received our 85 foot Snorkel, which we still have in service today.
1973, the first set of JAWS OF LIFE (Hurst Tools), were received for auto rescue.
In 1974, A Dodge Rescue Truck was put into service for auto extrication calls.
1975, The Cornwell's Fire Mark came to be, designed by Mr. Al Wills, who is a Life member and historian with the fire company. Harleysville Iron Masters did the casting work on the Fire Mark.
This is a brief and very short history of the Cornwell's Fire Company, but as time continues to change, so does the company. Today we operate 44 active members answering about 500 calls per year. The equipment we have today is two - 1250 GPM Pumpers, one - 85 foot Snorkel, a Marine unit and a Heavy Rescue Truck for auto extrication and fire rescue. Over the years the hard work and support from our Life and Senior Members and also our past members have made this company what we are today.
In closing, we would like to say we are always trying to improve and grow with the needs of the community of Bensalem in mind.
Thank You,
The Members of Cornwell's Fire Company #1