WYOMING – When a sign went up on Eighth Street recently reading “Future Home of Wyoming Hose Company 1, Rebuilding our Future,” some local residents commented that they didn’t know that the company was still operational.
The department’s president, Jerome Walsh, said not only was the company still in business, but it had been granted a piece of property by the borough on which it hopes to build a fire station.
Walsh said, although the Hose Company No. 1 is now operating out of the Exeter Fire Department and keeping its engine there, members would prefer to work from inside the borough.
“We would be closer to those we serve,” Walsh said. “And insurances are often cheaper for those who have a fire department nearby. That’s important.”
Walsh acknowledged that the company had been through some very difficult times, with charges of financial mismanagement against its previous administration about five years ago resulting in the loss of their building and much of its equipment.
But, he said, the company is slowly rebuilding, continuing volunteer training and obtaining equipment through the grants from the fire commissioner’s office.
The company has also been able to buy some equipment using firemen’s relief fund money, including 12 air packs which totaled $84,000.
But running a department isn’t cheap.
“Outfitting each firefighter comes to about $3,000,” Walsh said.
The company was also recently able to purchase equipment necessary for extricating people trapped in a vehicle following a crash.
Walsh said the company is in the midst of a fund drive, but is competing with other departments and efforts for money.
His hope is that money raised during that drive, together with grant money he hopes to receive will launch the hose company toward putting together a timeline for construction of the building.
Walsh said, although it is a challenge, the hose company has continued to be staffed by several dozen volunteers, some of whom belong to multiple fire departments.
Walsh said the property hasn’t been officially turned over to the hose company by the borough yet, but he anticipated that would soon happen.
“All’s we have to do is sign the paper,” he said.
