SERVICE HISTORY
On June 8, 1890, a disastrous fire began at the livery stable located at 7th and Chestnut Streets; twelve buildings were destroyed. Personal buckets and ladders were used to extinguish the fire. Less than a month later, on July 4, 1890, a committee appointed by Perkasie Borough Council met to form the Hope Fire Company. On September 8, 1890, the Hope Fire Company met at Groover's Hall (517 Chestnut Street) and adopted a constitution and by-laws; 32 members were present.

At the same time, Borough Council turned over to the Fire Company a Hand Pumper purchased from Newtown Fire Association, and a hose cart purchased from Philadelphia with 800 feet of hose. One month later the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad presented the Fire Company with a locomotive tire iron for use as a fire alarm. This was installed in a cupola of the Groover building (now in front of Silverdale Fire Company).

On February 8, 1892, the Hope Fire Company changed its name and became known as the Perkasie Fire Company. Two years later, the fire company grew to thirty members, a Double Deck Hand Pumper and Hose Carriage with 1400 feet of hose and nozzles. The meeting place changed to the second floor of the American Hotel stables (alleyway on 7th Street between Market and Arch Streets). On August 1, 1895, the Perkasie Water Company was formed and the first fire hydrant was installed. The following year, the headquarters moved to the Cressman building at 7th and Arch Streets. A fire alarm was installed on the roof, meeting rooms on the second floor and apparatus on the first floor. In 1900 the Perkasie Light Plant opened and the Fire Company moved its headquarters to the new building. A steam fire whistle replaced the old gong. That same year, a disastrous fire occurred at the Perkasie Park in which 23 cottages were destroyed and over 1000 feet of hose was laid to the nearest fire plug. Losses were said to be over $10,000. A new Hook & Ladder truck arrived in December 1903 ($650). The Fire Company purchased a lot at 7th and Arch Streets from J.G. Moyer for the cost of $4000, and contract was let the following year to construct a new firehouse. On October 27, 1907, the recently completed firehouse was dedicated for service to the community.

APPARATUS HISTORY
On January 15, 1919, the company purchased its first motorized piece of equipment -- a Seagraves Triple Combination Pumper. Three months later, that new fire engine pumped 4-1/2 hours continuously when the second and third floors of the J.G. Moyer building burned with a loss of $32,000 to the owner. The following year, a Nash Hose and Chemical truck was added to the equipment of the company. Through the years the following pieces of equipment were purchased as replacements or as additions:

1927 – Seagraves 400 GPM Pumper
1929 – Ford Chief's Car
1945 – First Ambulance purchased by Brunna Butzers
1947 – Chevrolet Utility truck purchased to replace Chief's vehicle ($4,500)
1948 – Mack 500 GPM Pumper ($12,000)
1953 – John Bean High Pressure Fog Pumper on International Chassis ($16,311)
1960 – John Bean High Pressure Fog Pumper on International Chassis ($14,852)
1970 – Ford Pumper ($9,817)
1972 – GMC Stake Body purchased by Ladies Auxiliary
1974 – Mack Aerialscope Ladder Truck ($102,700)
1974 – Mack 1000 GPM Pumper ($39,600)
1974 – Purchased first Hurst hydraulic rescue tool
1974/89 -- Mack Aerialscope Ladder truck with equipment ($520,000

1977 – Mack 1000 GPM Pumper ($71,000)
1982 – GMC Rescue Truck ($83,149)
1989 – Pierce Lance 2000 GPM Pumper ($248,154)
1989 – Mack Aerialscope Ladder Truck refurbished and upgraded ($87,500)
1996 – Ford Crown Victoria Deputy Chief's used car ($6,000)

The apparatus currently in operation includes:

1974/95 – Mack 1000 GPM Pumper with equipment ($110,000)
1989 – Pierce Lance 2000 GPM Pumper with equipment ($248,000)
1990 – Ford F350 Fire Police van ($26,000)
1994 – Ford Crown Victoria Chief's vehicle ($16,000)
1997 – Pierce Quantum 2000 GPM Rescue/Pumper with equipment ($525,000)

1997 – Ford Expedition Chief’s vehicle (Used $10,000)

2000 – Ford F-550 250 GPM TAC vehicle ($120,000)

2000 – Ford Expedition Chief’s vehicle (Used $11,000)

2006 – Pierce Dash 2000 GPM, 100 Ft. Ladder Tower with equipment ($900,000)

2007 – Ford Expedition Chief’s vehicle ($23,000)

FACILITIES HISTORY
During the period of 1965 to 1969, the company undertook a major facility change. In October 1965, a lease was signed with the Borough for property at Fifth and Arch Streets (present fire house site). The following year, Branch Valley Associates was hired as architect for the new fire station. In 1969, the Fire Company signed a lease with the Borough concerning the new building. The larger station facility is capable of housing eight (8) pieces of apparatus with storage, office, meeting and rest rooms on the lower level. A large dining hall is accessible from ground level at the rear of the station. In January 1997, the original overhead doors were replaced with new aluminum and glass doors at a cost of $17,570.

The funds for these projects were raised by holding public dinners, private banquets, wedding receptions, annual appeals and the annual carnival.

ADDITIONAL GROWTH HISTORY
In 1977, the first women were entered onto the company's roll as a firefighter and ambulance member. Two years later, the Fire Company elected to have the Bucks County Emergency Radio System dispatch the department by answering emergency phone calls at the county court house. Formation of Junior Firefighter membership classification was established in 1993 for persons interested in joining between the ages of 16-18 years old. In June 1990, the department hosted the 77th Annual Convention of the Bucks County Firemen's Association with a parade to mark the company's 100th anniversary.  In 1995 a committee was organized to formulate specifications to procure a new Rescue truck with multiple hydraulic tools for vehicle extrication involving new titanium/boron materials. With five (5) hydraulic hose reels, numerous types of equipment are pre-connected for ready use.  Again, in 2005 a committee was formed to replace an aging Aerialscope Tower Ladder.  Thru the assistance of Volunteer’s Financial Services, a long range financial plan was developed for replacement of all apparatus.  This information was presented to Perkasie Borough Council who endorsed a non-binding referendum to be placed on the November 2005 ballots.  The community authorized the Borough to incur debt in support of replacing the 1974 Mack Aerialscope.  In October 2006, the delivery of a new Pierce 100 ft. Ladder Tower was received.  In 2007, all self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) was replaced with new equipment from MSA.  All firefighters were personally fit tested and provided for their own individual masks.

Today the Perkasie Fire Company is a vital community asset. It makes fire and rescue services available to the residents of Perkasie Borough, East Rockhill and Hilltown Townships, as well as other communities including Sellersville Borough, Silverdale Borough, and West Rockhill Township. The company has an average response time of three to five minutes. With a compliment of nearly 50 highly trained volunteer firefighters, the members of this organization are committed to providing the community with proud, proficient and professional service on a 24-hour basis. This dedicated group of men and women who volunteer their time, energy and money make your community a safer place to live, work, play and visit.