Wesleyville VFD & Police: 100 Years
WESLEYVILLE: 100 years old in 1921, the Wesleyville Vol. Fire Department (Wesleyville Hose Co.) was founded by deed. To this day, the deed remains under lock and key at PNC bank in downtown Erie.
Also in 1921, the Wesleyville PD was established by Borough Ordinance (see link).
In small towns, things began as bucket brigades, but in 1921, things changed for Wesleyville. The first step forward was the purchase of a pressure pump which was worked by hand. This contraption was enthroned upon a two-wheeled wagon. A rope tied around the axel served as the tongue and when fire broke out in the village the pump got to its destination through the efforts of the volunteers who pulled it by rope. Sometime later, shave was added to the wagon so horsepower rather than manpower could haul the pump. The first horse used was a big chestnut owned by Frank Grey, the chief at the time.
The first thing that could be called a firehouse was a shed built in the center of town near the Methodist Church. It may be that the church bell was the alarm in the early days. Later, a fire bell was hung from a wooden frame much like a tower and with the use of a crank and rope it could be rung to call the volunteers. When this happened, Mr. Greg brought his horse from his shop at the corner of Willow Street and Buffalo Road, hitched him to the pump, and took off toward the fire. The fire-fighters ran beside the rig and hopefully reached the fire before it was too late.
The next step to modern fire protection was the purchase of an International Fire Truck. At this time Frank Cooper was the chief of the department and the truck was kept in his barn at the corner of Buffalo Road and Eastern Avenue. For a time, this location sufficed, but as the town grew and numbers were added to the volunteer fire force, the need for a regular fire hall became apparent.
Consequently, a location on Station Road, just south of former Hill’s Market, was selected, and the first real fire building was erected. The old method of sounding the alarm with a bell was done away with… a modern siren installed. While at this location the Department added another truck and in time purchased their first ambulance.
In time the Station Roadhouse no longer met the needs of an expanding community and a new location became a necessity. When the new Borough Hall was erected, a new fire hall was built in conjunction with it. The present well-equipped hose company is one of the greatest blessings the citizens of Wesleyville have and no rational person could belittle the efforts of such a group of men and women who are still unpaid volunteers.
Todays, 2021 Fire department needs your support. Present day chief, John Wiercinski, started as a junior fire fighter in 2007 at 14 years old. He was raised to be kind and help people, that’s what he does best. He’s the 28-year-old fire chief elected in November 2020. Since COVID, his goal has been to reach the community.
Wesleyville Hose Company is short on man & woman power. They need EMT’s/EMR’s/Firefighters and you can help on the Firefighter, EMT, Staff, and Social Member side.
Special thanks to Wesleyville Borough, Wesleyville Hose Co., Bill Nesgoda, Tina Roseberry, Regina Guzel-Julius, E Paul Johnson II, Matt Flak, Steve Samec, and John Wiercinski who made this article possible.
Read MoreAlso in 1921, the Wesleyville PD was established by Borough Ordinance (see link).
In small towns, things began as bucket brigades, but in 1921, things changed for Wesleyville. The first step forward was the purchase of a pressure pump which was worked by hand. This contraption was enthroned upon a two-wheeled wagon. A rope tied around the axel served as the tongue and when fire broke out in the village the pump got to its destination through the efforts of the volunteers who pulled it by rope. Sometime later, shave was added to the wagon so horsepower rather than manpower could haul the pump. The first horse used was a big chestnut owned by Frank Grey, the chief at the time.
The first thing that could be called a firehouse was a shed built in the center of town near the Methodist Church. It may be that the church bell was the alarm in the early days. Later, a fire bell was hung from a wooden frame much like a tower and with the use of a crank and rope it could be rung to call the volunteers. When this happened, Mr. Greg brought his horse from his shop at the corner of Willow Street and Buffalo Road, hitched him to the pump, and took off toward the fire. The fire-fighters ran beside the rig and hopefully reached the fire before it was too late.
The next step to modern fire protection was the purchase of an International Fire Truck. At this time Frank Cooper was the chief of the department and the truck was kept in his barn at the corner of Buffalo Road and Eastern Avenue. For a time, this location sufficed, but as the town grew and numbers were added to the volunteer fire force, the need for a regular fire hall became apparent.
Consequently, a location on Station Road, just south of former Hill’s Market, was selected, and the first real fire building was erected. The old method of sounding the alarm with a bell was done away with… a modern siren installed. While at this location the Department added another truck and in time purchased their first ambulance.
In time the Station Roadhouse no longer met the needs of an expanding community and a new location became a necessity. When the new Borough Hall was erected, a new fire hall was built in conjunction with it. The present well-equipped hose company is one of the greatest blessings the citizens of Wesleyville have and no rational person could belittle the efforts of such a group of men and women who are still unpaid volunteers.
Todays, 2021 Fire department needs your support. Present day chief, John Wiercinski, started as a junior fire fighter in 2007 at 14 years old. He was raised to be kind and help people, that’s what he does best. He’s the 28-year-old fire chief elected in November 2020. Since COVID, his goal has been to reach the community.
Wesleyville Hose Company is short on man & woman power. They need EMT’s/EMR’s/Firefighters and you can help on the Firefighter, EMT, Staff, and Social Member side.
Special thanks to Wesleyville Borough, Wesleyville Hose Co., Bill Nesgoda, Tina Roseberry, Regina Guzel-Julius, E Paul Johnson II, Matt Flak, Steve Samec, and John Wiercinski who made this article possible.
