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1940 – 1960

History (1940 – 1960)

Progress was put on hold during World War II and a shortage of manpower became a serious problem for the fire company. To alleviate this shortage, the fire company's by-laws were changed to allow men to join at the age of 16 rather than 18 years of age. The fire alarm system was expanded during the war, with the addition of 5 air-raid sirens around the township. In addition to their use for Civil Defense, these sirens were also used to notify the members of a fire.

The late 1940's and early 1950's saw the fire company on an expansion program that not only included apparatus but also included an addition to the firehouse. Another new addition was the start of an Ambulance Corps. On a cold winter day in 1948, a pedestrian was struck by a car on Baltimore Pike near Saxer Avenue. Don Eastman, owner of the Springfield Beverage Distributing Co., rendered aid to the seriously injured person, covering him with newspapers and blankets to keep him warm. Don tried desperately for two hours to get an ambulance for the injured man. No surrounding towns had an ambulance at that time. Finally, an ambulance from Philadelphia was obtained and it took the injured pedestrian (who died enroute) to a Philadelphia hospital. It was at this time that Don decided that Springfield needed its own ambulance. Through the Springfield Betterment Association and Eastman, a door-to-door fund drive was started to purchase an ambulance. After four months, $13,000 had been collected in the drive. They then purchased a brand new fully equipped Cadillac ambulance for $8,700. The balance of the collected funds was put into the organization which they founded, and was to be known as "The Springfield Fire Company Ambulance Corps", a committee of the fire company.

In 1949, a one-floor addition was made to the existing two-story stone firehouse, to house the new ambulance and additional fire apparatus. The 1940's also saw the beginning of the Springfield Library, which first occupied space on a mezzanine level of the old stone firehouse. The library grew in size, including the familiar "Book Mobile" that circulated throughout the township. The library eventually took over the entire second floor of the firehouse, after the municipal offices moved to their present 50 Powell Road location in 1954.

During 1950, a 600 GPM 3-Stage Pirsch Pumper was added to the existing equipment, and in 1952 a GMC panel truck was purchased and converted to an Emergency Truck. Due to the building boom of the 50's additional fire apparatus was needed. In 1954, Springfield took delivery of its first aerial ladder truck, a 75-foot Pirsch, replacing the 1931 Seagrave. In 1957, a 750 GPM 3-Stage Pumper was delivered, to take the place of the aging 1937 Dodge.

To keep up with the times, and to supplement the outside fire alarm system, an electronic home alerting radio system was developed in 1962. This system gradually expanded to assigning pocket radio pagers to active firefighters, so they would be assured of being notified of a fire alarm. Also in the early 60's electronic air horns were placed around the township, to be used as an outside fire alarm, in place of the air-raid sirens.

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Springfield Fire Company

6 months ago

Springfield Fire Company

A huge thank you to Girl Scout troop 57 for dropping off a basket of goodies for the staff today.  ... See MoreSee Less

A huge thank you to Girl Scout troop 57 for dropping off a basket of goodies for the staff today. 
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Springfield Fire Company

6 months ago

Springfield Fire Company

Shout out to Steve Halko and his girlfriend Genesis, for making the Fire Company a new Duty/Assignment Board.
Turned out great!
Thank you from the Officers & Members.
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Shout out to Steve Halko and his girlfriend Genesis, for making the Fire Company a new Duty/Assignment Board.
Turned out great!
Thank you from the Officers & Members.
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  • Likes: 89
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  • Comments: 5

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Good job Steve. Chief Green would be proud.

That is fantastic! A work of a great deal of thought and time... And love! Great job, Steve and Genesis!

Jack Redding the chauffeur

Becky Green Halko

👏👏👏👏👏👏

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Springfield Fire Company

8 months ago

Springfield Fire Company

It is with a heavy heart that the Springfield Fire Company announces the passing of life time member Richard "Richie" Gildea.

Richie joined the Fire Company on April 24, 1957 and held numerous Company positions, including Captain of the Fire Police Unit.

Richie became a Life Member in 1980. He received the 50 year "Blue Flame" Award in 2007. Most recently he was added as an exemplary volunteer to the Volunteer Memorial Wall at the corner of Saxer Ave and Powell Rd on July 4th, 2005

In his honor our flag will be flown at half-staff until the day of his funeral.

Richie's funeral details will be posted, when they become known.

The Springfield Fire Company wishes to express their condolences to the Gildea family.
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It is with a heavy heart that the Springfield Fire Company announces the passing of life time member Richard Richie Gildea. 

Richie joined the Fire Company on April 24, 1957 and held numerous Company positions, including Captain of the Fire Police Unit. 

Richie became a Life Member in 1980. He received the 50 year Blue Flame Award in 2007. Most recently he was added as an exemplary volunteer to the Volunteer Memorial Wall at the corner of Saxer Ave and Powell Rd on July 4th, 2005

In his honor our flag will be flown at half-staff until the day of his funeral. 

Richies funeral details will be posted, when they become known. 

The Springfield Fire Company wishes to express their condolences to the Gildea family.Image attachmentImage attachment+6Image attachment
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  • Comments: 44

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Rest in Peace! Thank you for your service! Prayers to his family!

Such a nice guy. Prayers to his family and friends

Prayers for Richie and his family.. Our condolences 🙏🙏🙏🙏😥

Rest in Peace my dearest Uncle. Love you and will miss you for a little while From the Salva/Hicks/Summit families in Missouri (Ritchie's second home)

Richie was a great man and friend to everyone that was lucky enough to cross his path.

We'll all miss you Richie. The 'Fighting Irish" just got a new Angel 😇 RIP Richie

RIP Mr. Gildea my heart felt Condolences to the family

Sorry for your loss prayers to Springfield FC and Gildea Family

Rest In Peace sir, your watch has been completed!!

Make me cry such a sweetheart! He will be missed and St. Patrick Day just will never be the same!! ❤️❤️❤️ Rip Richie ❤️❤️❤️

My condolences to the whole family hugs

Sorry for your loss. RIP Mr. Gildea.

Sending condolences to everyone

Rest in Peace Richie ... you will be missed!

In our thoughts and prayers

Rest in peace. Just noticed the clock tower! When was that erected? Haven't been around town much lately!!!

He was the best! Always greeted you with a big smile and was truly happy to see everyone. He will be missed ❤️

R I P Richie we had a lot of laughs. God bless you

A awesome man! RIP Richie! U will be missed!💚💚

God Bless you Uncle Rich. We will miss you 🙏❤️

Such a wonderful soul. RIP Rich.

Rest easy Richie. I hope you rate a mansion in Heaven.

Always a smile on his face!! We'll certainly miss you Uncle Rich!!

So sorry. I’m blessed to have known Richie. Godspeed my friend

May his memory be eternal

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Springfield Fire Company
217 Saxer Ave.
Springfield, PA 19064

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