The history of Oakland Volunteer Fire Company since it's founding in 1933

1930s

On March 10th, 1933, a meeting of 75 citizens of Stonycreek Township was held for the purpose of organizing a volunteer fire department.

Mr. Frank Helsel, President of the Dale Fire Co. was asked to assist and proposed the resolution to organize the company.

The first officers were:
  President - Perce Appleyard
  Vice President - Earl Griffith
  Secretary - Earl Giles Jr.
  Treasurer - Kline Ober
  Fire Chief - Quint Geisel
  Asst Chief - Ronald Hudson
  2nd Asst Chief - Clyde Horner
  Hose Director - Ken James
  Pipe Director - Roy Strong

On April 21st of 1933, Oakland Volunteer Fire Company was officially incorporated with the state.

A plot of ground was offered by Mollie Bowden for the building. The current building is located on this plot of ground.

On September 15th, 1933, it was voted to purchase a Packard Touring Car and to convert it to a hose truck. It was stored in the basement of Eugene Schrader's Service Station.

1940s

A fire siren was donated by the Franklin Vol. Fire Co. The first alarm system was a telephone arrangement which set the alarm off and the first person to answer would call the Chief's house to get the location of the call. Mr Hudson by this time had assumed the role of Fire Chief.

On Monday June 17th, 1940 a devastating fire destroyed the Green Gables Service Station where the department was storing its equipment.

All was lost, and the members immediately voted to purchase a second hand 1922 750 Gallon American La France pumper from the Wilkensburg Fire Co. for $800.00.

On August 5th 1940 work was begun on building a fire department and was completed on April 21st, 1941.

In 1942, a funeral coach was purchased from Sanitary Dairy, less tires, and was put into ambulance service once tires were obtained through the local rationing board.

In 1946 Oakland chanced off its first car in a highly successful fundraiser. This occurred every year until 2007 when it was discontinued.

Again on August 5th, 1948 the department was dealt a major setback when it was gutted by fire. The LaFrance was pushed from the building and used to put out the fire, but all other equipment was lost. Rebuilding was begun in 1948 and by December 3rd the rebuilt fire hall was completed.

A new 1948 Mack Pumper was placed into service in March of 1949.

The need for an ambulance was stressed at the November 1949 meeting and a motion was passed to purchase a Chevrolet Ambulance.

1950s

In January 1950 a new Chevrolet ambulance was placed into service at a cost of $3,800.

In 1952, through the fine cooperative efforts of the Fire Company and the community, it was possible to pay off the debt of $20,000.00 to the Dale Bank and the mortgage was burned on December 3rd, 1952.

During the 1950's the station constantly replaced old and out-dated equipment whenever possible.

The 1922 LaFrance pumper was replaced in 1956 with a 1957 750 gallon Mack pumper with all the accessories.

The 1950 Chevrolet Ambulance was replaced in 1959 with a 1960 Imperial Coach.

1960s

In 1969 the 1960 Imperial Coach Ambulance was replaced with a 1969 Cadilac Ambulance at a cost of $13,000, the old one was sold to the Richland Volunteer Fire Company.

1970s

During the late 1970's a 1976 Dodge Mini Pumper was purchased and placed into service.

1980s

In 1983, a 1750 GPM Sutphen was placed in service and served the department well.

2000s

In 2002 the 1967 Dodge Mini Pumper was replaced by a new Attack truck

In 2006 the 1750 GPM Sutphen engine was replaced by a new Spartan 2000 GPM CAFS Engine