The bucket brigade in action. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
“Old Washy” in action. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
The Newtown Fire Association was formed November 13, 1889.
The first piece of fire apparatus purchased by the Newtown Fire Association was a ladder wagon, built by Warner and McGowan, the local carriage makers. It was purchased for
$400 on July 4, 1892. This apparatus is still in our possession and can be viewed in the museum.
On September 16, 1901, the company was formally incorporated under the name of “Newtown Fire Association No. 1” for the purpose of “extinguishing fires and protecting life and property.” In that same year, a new firehouse was erected on Liberty Street where the 1871 firehouse had stood. The building is now the station’s fire museum.
Skipping ahead 100 years, Fabian said in 1996 due to declining volunteers during the day, Newtown Township hired their first four career firefighters. Today, he said fire service is provided by both volunteer and career firefighters who work together and operate as Newtown Fire Rescue.
Newtown Fire Rescue provides fire, rescue, and medical response to Newtown Township and Borough and the surrounding communities. Newtown Township’s career firefighters respond to calls from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Newtown Fire Association’s volunteer firefighters from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.