A New Chapter Begins: Uniting Tradition and Progress
The South Williamsport Fire Department, Station 5, came into existence in May 2016 through the merger of the former Citizens Fire Company (Station 10, previously at 116 W. Southern Avenue) and the former First Ward Fire Company (Station 11, at 573 Hastings Street).
This union, requested by the Borough of South Williamsport, was aimed at consolidating resources and manpower to enhance service delivery to South Williamsport and its surrounding areas.
The merged departments, now operating from 573 Hastings Street, have pooled their assets and years of experience to better serve the community.
The department, which proudly supports the Little League World Series, welcomes a diverse array of nationalities, players, fans, and staff annually.
Citizen Fire Company #2
Founded in May 1895, the Citizens Fire Company #2 emerged from a borough council’s call to organize a fire service for South Williamsport’s east end. The foundation meeting at the Main Street School Building led to the adoption of a constitution and by-laws, with the company officially chartered later that year. Initially operating from a rented barn, the company moved to a purchased property on Southern Avenue in 1897, which continues to serve as its base. Over the decades, Citizens Fire Company #2 transitioned from hand-drawn hose carriages to contemporary firefighting equipment. In 1992, it pioneered a Quick Response Service, significantly enhancing its emergency medical capabilities as part of a broader collaborative effort within South Williamsport.
First Ward Fire Company
The First Ward Fire Company was established in October 1944, a response to the diminished firefighting manpower due to World War II. It began its operations with a donated old Packard hearse and soon acquired a civil defense pump trailer. In 1945, the company invested in a high-pressure fog truck, marking the start of a modernizing fleet that would include an International Equipment truck by 1950 and several other vehicles over the years. The company’s resilience was notably tested during the 1972 Hurricane Agnes floods, which destroyed its original station, prompting the construction of the new station on Hastings Street. This move symbolized a new era for the department, underpinning its commitment to community safety and adaptive response to changing needs.
Strategic Moves and Modernization
Facing volunteer shortages, the South Williamsport Fire Department partnered with the Loyalsock Fire Department to ensure daytime staffing, reflecting a strategic approach to modern firefighting challenges. Today, the department boasts a range of modern firefighting equipment and vehicles, serving a community of 6,300 residents and up to 40,000 people during the Little League World Series in August. The department’s commitment to the safety and well-being of South Williamsport and its surroundings remains its guiding principle.
