Photo by: Jack Wright
Location: Frankford Avenue & Hartel Avenue (7818 Frankford Avenue)
Apparatus: 1996 KME 1500/500, White-over-red
Housed with: Ladder 20, Medic 17
Written by: Pat Turner
Engine 36 can trace their origin to a hand engine company that was placed in service during the formation of the Philadelphia Fire Department in 1871. This hand engine was located in the Holmesburg section of the city and was staffed by one paid fireman who was assisted, when required, by volunteers. In 1883, the city organized a sub-station at the House of Correction in order to help protect the rapidly growing Holmesburg section of Northeast Philadelphia. This company was formally placed in service on February 1, 1891 as Engine 36 and relocated to 7818 Frankford Avenue. Both Engine 36 and Ladder 20, which was organized on January 21, 1926, shared these quarters until March 28, 1971. The original firehouse was scheduled for demolition in order to provide the land for the construction of a new firehouse. During this construction, Engine 36 temporarily relocated to a rented garage located at 3515-21 Welsh Road and Ladder 20 temporarily relocated to the quarters of Engine 38 in Tacony. The new firehouse was opened on September 8, 1972 and provided quarters large enough to accommodate then-Rescue 17 in addition to Engine 36 and Ladder 20. Engine 36 also housed Light Wagon 2 for a few years starting on February 15, 1995 until that unit was disbanded. Engine 36, Ladder 20, and Medic 17 proudly carry on the tradition of dedication and service in protecting the residents of Holmesburg and Mayfair as they ride “The King’s Highway”.
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