History of Crestas Volunteer Fire Department #4

The Crestas Terrace Volunteer Fire Department # 4 celebrated its 75th anniversary on August 27, 2002. Established on August 27, 1927, Crestas was one of the first "All Black" volunteer fire companies in Pennsylvania. The company began with a membership of fourteen.

The first executive officers were: James W. Carter, Sr. - President; Percy Brooks - Vice President; William (Dad) Askew - Treasurer; Edward L. Bell - Secretary.

The first line officers were: Matthew Jones - Chief; Santee Powell, Sr. - Captain; William Pearson - First Lieutenant; and Albert Hopkin - Second Lieutenant.

Trustees were James E. Askew, Sr., John W. Askew, Jesse (Fritz) Carter, and Champ Brooks.

When the fire company was first organized, this area was practically without passable roads with the exception of a main thorofare. There was no city water and old timers in the community will never forget the "Bucket Brigades". Everyone who was large enough would help to pass buckets of water from the nearest well or cistern.

The early thirties (depression years) were lean years for the men. They carried on bravely in the face of difficulties which might have appalled many.

Timeline of Crestas VFD

•1933 - First annual Street Fair •1937 - Purchase of first motor driven equipment, a 1918 Cadillac (Old Betsy) •April - 1937 - Ground Breaking for new building •May - 1938 - Completion of Building

•In 1942 they purchased a 1938 Chevy Chassis and under the supervision of Mr. Joseph Jackson, they built a steamlined truck which was second to none and fully equipped for fighting all types of fires.

•1957 - 40' by 22' extension added to station •1958 - the firemen added another 40' by 24' block building to the structure, used for social purposes •1971 - Firehall and Truck destroyed by fire. •1984 - Air 4 was purchased. •1985 - Social Hall burned.

To be Continued...

This Site Was designed and is maintained by Jenn O'Connor
© Copyright 2002, Crestas VFD. All Rights Reserved.

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