WELCOME 

            THE ASHVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY #1                                                           

          The Ashville Volunteer Fire Company #1 is an "ALL VOLUNTEER"  company located in northeastern Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Operating out of one station in Ashville borough we proudly provide fire and rescue services.  In addition to Ashville borough we are contracted by The townships of Allegheny,Clearfield, Dean and Gallitzin as well as the borough of Chest Springs all in Cambria County. Our 1st due coverage area encompasses 58.33 square miles.with a population of 6,265

          HISTORY

          It all began as in most communities with a major fire. Although Ashville has had several major fires including one conflagration in the late 1800's that burned nearly half of the town, it was during world war II  on March 11,1943  that the Saint Thomas Catholic Church  caught fire and burned. Reports from that day list as many as eleven buildings catching fire from the wind blown flames, asbestos shingles and embers from the church. Many of the towns young men were off fighting the war at the time, However many townsfolk rallied with buckets,blankets and simply used snow from the ground to stop the spread of the fire. Help was summoned from the Patton fire company nearly ten miles away. Eventually there were nine different fire companies who responded including units from the Altoona City Fire Department. who's trucks were sent on rail car by train over the mountain to the scene. Even with all the valiant efforts the church a school and several buildings were a total loss. Leaving 13 people Homeless.

           The church was eventually rebuilt and as the war ended ramblings of the need for its own fire company continued throughout the town.  This continued for several years and eventually efforts changed from street conversations to organized efforts to start a fire company of our own. A group of leaders began to develop and meetings were held.  Fund raising began and bl-laws were drafted.The first elected officers were listed as follows                                                                     President, Frank Lato.

 Vice President  Joseph W. Lesniak

Seceretary  James W. Lidwell.

Treasurer  Charles Basal .

Fire Chief  Warren Noel

Trustees (Five) 

Walter A. Gibbons. Wilmer Risbon, Joseph Lipple, Albert McMullen and Joseph Sheehan                          

  Many of these things were done with guidance and help of the Patton Fire Company. 

The Company was able to puchase a 1927 American LaFrance pumper from Patton at a cost of $400.00. After which they applied for a charter on March 10,1950. Total assets listed on the charter application were

Real estate- none

Furniture and fixtures -none

Cash on Hand - $ 250.00

1-Firetruck - $500.00

TOTAL ASSETS - $750.00

          On April 15,1950 it became official with the granting of a charter from the courts of Cambria County Pennsylvania. We will be forever known as the "Ashville Volunteer Fire Company #1"

          Things took off in a hurry!

          Members of the newly formed company with the first engine, 1927 American LaFrance  

Front, Frank Lato

 2nd Row  - Warren Noel, Joe Sheehan

3rd. Row -Merle Weakland, Eugene Eyer   

       Top Row - Don Gibbons, Herman Krug, Pee Wee Chirdon,

      Paul Mansfield, Joe Lesniak, John Guantner, Dusty Weakland

          A building lot was acquired on Liberty Street near the center of town and work began on a new fire station. All labor was done on a volunteer basis and the company had its 1st home in 1950. Very few changes were made to this building and it would serve us well for the next forty years. With the completion of the building, rapid development of the growing company continued with the purchase of a 1937 Seagrave pumper from the Zelienople, Pa. volunteer fire company for $5001.00 

          From the beginning it was obvious that fund raising would be the key to success and survival of the company. So over the next few years the members began acquire properties along both sides of Pine Street. Several of these lots were purchased for $ 1.00 the remaining were bought outright; eventually the fire company would own both sides of Pine Street from Main Street to Market Street.  In 1954 the fireman’s recreation hall was constructed on the south side of Pine Street and a parking lot on the north side. This building would become a hub for the community as well as a place for the company to hold many fund raisers i.e.… bingo, dances, raffles even roller skating in the early days.  This building has and still serves us well today.  We have used it for training events, including Multi Company and regional events.  It has also been used by many organizations such as scouts, athletic clubs, and churches .Many public and municipal meetings have also been held here not mention countless weddings, reunions and other private functions.

           The efforts to continually get better brought forth the start of an Ambulance service in 1955. A Seagrave pumper was ordered in the fall of 1957 at a cost of $ 25,000. So in the spring of 1958 The Ashville Volunteer Fire Company #1 took delivery of its 1^st ever brand new engine a Seagrave 750 GPM pumper with 500 gallons of water.

          In 1960 the company membership had grown to nearly 200 members with 40 active members. At this time a special fund drive was undertaken to add two additional apparatus bays on the rear of the Liberty Street station. In 1968 the company purchased a Cadilac ambulance, at a cost of $14,000, its the companies 1st. ever brand new ambulance.

          The 1970's arrived and for the first time the company would forge on under new leadership.  Fire Chief Warren Noel  would choose not to run for an additional term after seving the first Twenty Years as the leader of the company. 

           The 1970’s began with new leaders; however the quest to improve and grow the company would remain constant. In 1972 a new engine was ordered from “BRUCO” Brumbaugh Body Company of Altoona, Pa. The new International pumper was purchased at a cost of $ 40,000 and would carry a 750 GPM pump and a 1,000 gallon water tank. This engine would feature pre-connected hose lines in the bed for the first time in company history.