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Since 1922, the dedicated volunteer firefighters of the Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 have provided fire, rescue and disaster assistance services to the residents of Franklin Park and surrounding communities. The company has over 40 active members who receive no compensation for countless hours of service and training to protect you and your property.

The company has six fire trucks in operation out of two stations: the main hall at 2360 Rochester Road and a substation located on Wexford Bayne Road adjacent to Stone Mansion Drive. The company responds to over 200 alarms each year. In addition, the firefighters also present fire prevention and safety programs to students in local schools and day care centers.

Over 75 percent of the fire company's annual operating budget must be raised by members through the rental of their social hall and a financial solicitation mailing each May to every residence and businesses in the Borough.
            
Needed Volunteers: There is no better way to give something back to your community then to volunteer your time. Work as a firefighter can be hard but is extremely rewarding. If you are interested call Ronald Merriman 412-364-4115
(ext 316). The rewards of being part of this company are priceless. We need you!

 

FIRE COMPANY NEWS BRIEFS
1.)Please help keep fire hydrants clear of high grass, low trees and shrubbery branches and snow. This really does help our volunteer firefighters during an emergency. During heavy snowstorms, locating the nearest fire hydrant is a major concern. Also, do not stack trash cans and/or recycling materials around the fire hydrant during the weekly trash pickup. Some residents actually do this, making it difficult for the firefighters to locate the hydrant during an emergency. Remember the hydrant near you may be needed for an emergency at your home or business.

2.)Dial 9-1-1 for all emergencies, fire, police and ambulance. Give specific information including your name, telephone number and address. If you are not certain of the address, give landmarks, major buildings, road intersections or anything that might be unique. This will help the dispatcher determine the location of the emergency. If possible, have someone wait near the street to direct the emergency vehicles to the proper location.

3.)Open burning of any type is not allowed in Allegheny County. Thus the burning of leaves, scrap building materials, brush and trees, or any other type of combustible material is prohibited in Franklin Park. Recreational campfires no larger than three feet in diameter are allowed, if a permit is obtained in advance from the Fire Marshall's office at the borough building, located at the corner of West Ingomar Road and Rochester Road.

4.)Today, many residences and commercial buildings have fire and burglar alarm systems wired into the structure. It is the responsibility of the property owner to be certain that the system is operating properly, is serviced on a routine basis, and that a system malfunction or defective sensor is required as soon as possible. Multiple false alarms to the same structure by either the police or fire department can result in a substantial fine to the property owner. Also, the occupants of the structure should know the access code(s) of the system and how to turn the system off or a least silence the alarm. All of this information is available from your alarm system manual or company. There are many types of alarm systems and thus it is impossible for the police officer or fire officer to know how to turn off every system.

5.)The renovated banquet hall in the main fire station at 2360 Rochester Road has an inviting decor including chandelier lighting, a stage, large dance floor, new round banquet tables and padded chairs, a fully equipped kitchen and a beverage service bar. The air conditioned hall will hold up to 300 people and there is ample parking available on the large paved lot surrounding the building. The banquet hall is an ideal location for wedding showers, receptions, reunions, anniversaries, parties, fundraisers and other events. The fire company has now contracted for a full-service catering company to handle all rentals and food service operations for their banquet hall. For full-hall or partial-hall rental rates and available dates, please contact Remo's Catering at 412-364-5377.

6.)The Ladies Auxiliary of our volunteer fire company is always accepting new members. You do not have to be related to a member of the fire company in order to qualify for membership. Business meetings, social events and several fundraising projects are regular activities. During major emergencies, the members provide food and beverages to the firefighters. For information, call the fire company business office at 412-364-5670.

7.)The fire company's annual fund drive letter is mailed in early May to all residences in the Borough. This fund drive provides nearly half of the fire company's annual budget so your contribution is very important. If you have not yet mailed in your contribution, please do so. The fire company members sincerely receive your donation as a tangible expression of appreciation for the volunteer services they provide.