History
Wyndmoor Hose Company No. 1 was formed in 1906 and chartered in 1907. The seeds of the local fire company grew out of an industrial base at Mermaid Lane and Queen Street. There, the Nelson Valve Company began an in-house fire brigade to meet the needs of the dangerous industrial mechanisms used to make hydraulic valves. Eventually, the local community was solicited for its help in keeping this fire unit viable and expanding its services to the larger community. Residents volunteered, recognizing the communal benefit, and with help from the valve company a two-wheeled hand cart was purchased and 500 feet of hose. Today, more than 25 members make up the working force and are notified by digital paging systems, day and night, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, of community members who dialed 911 in urgent need of response.
Specialties
Beyond fire suppression activities, WHCo is active in the community in many other ways. Fire prevention programs have always been a primary focus. The company keeps a busy schedule with weekend birthday parties held at the station, sometimes multiple parties each day. The parties often include a 15 to 30-minute presentation on fire safety. Throughout the year WHCo presents fire prevention programs to local schools, camps, day-care facilities, and other businesses and organizations. Annual demonstrations are made to The Boy Scouts of America to display not only safety messages, but also drunk-driving warnings. We love to present to our community - especially our most vulnerable populations, young children, seniors, and those with disabilities.