The organization of a Volunteer Fire Company in the Borough of Silverdale on November 11, 1914, was effected as a result of a rather serious fire at the Silverdale bakery, earlier that year. The movement was headed by Henry A. Shaffer. He called a meeting for Wednesday, November 11, 1914, that was held at the clothing factory own and operated by Jacob C. Wismer. Organization took place at the initial meeting when 24 members were enrolled.
President
Henry A. Shaffer
Vice President
William S. Wismer
Recording Secretary
William W. Allabough
Treasurer
Jacob C. Wismer
Trustees
Milton G. Detweiler
Amos S. Beringer
Samuel M. Yoder
Chief
William S. Wismer
Assistant Chief
Levi E. Yoder
Forman
William W. Allabough
Assistant Forman
Ferd Betz
Oswin D. Imhof
Henry Roth
Fire Police
Jonathan Gulick
J. C. Wismer
Frank Sherm
M. A. Renner
Samuel M. Yoder
By-Laws Committee
Frank C. Richman
Frank E. Yoder
Milton G. Detweiler
Samuel M. Yoder
Ellis D. Moyer
Investigating Committee
William K. Miller
Howard F Crouthamel
Jacob C. Wismer
Warren D. Crouthamel
Horace H. Frantz
Benefits Committee
Robert F. Detweiler
H. C. Reiff
Frank C. Richman
James Harvey Jr.
Horace H. Frantz
The first three meetings were held in the Wismer Factory. Permanent quarters were then established in the office and packing room of William W. Allabough’s greenhouse.
January 12, 1915 the company purchased its first equipment, eight Paragon fire extinguishers and two dozen charges, at a cost of $60.00. On February 2, 1915
six buckets were added to the company’s equipment. The first vehicle used by the company was owned by J. C. Wismer, a Jeffrey truck used in his clothing business.
On June 8,1915 the company received a bell from the Perkasie Fire Company. This bell is in front of the fire house today.
The Company’s first call was on August 8, 1915, when lightning struck the barn on the Howard Sensinger Farm in Hilltown.
The Company became a member of the Bucks County Fireman’s Association in 1916.
The Ladies Auxiliary was first organized April 1, 1919. In 1934 they discontinued operation.
July 1920 received Company Charter. November 1921 purchased the present lot from J. D. Yoder.
November 1921 purchased the present lot from J. D. Yoder.
February 14, 1923 approved plans for building.
May 25, 1924 building was dedicated.
In 1924 the Building was used for school due to a fire in the school house.
In 1931 the first organized Boy Scout Troop was started by the Company.
August 8, 1939 the present Ladies Auxiliary was organized.
In March 1948 The Company sponsored the Boy Scout Troop No. 65.
In 1950 the Fire House was used for School.
In June of 1958 began using 2-way radios it the trucks and fire house.
The third quarter-century was marked by a rapid increase in development within the company's coverage area. This development created a need for additional equipment and facilities. In December 1966, the company purchased the small house next door and has been used as a rental property since that time.
With the need for additional storage space for larger, heavier apparatus led the Company to erect a metal building behind the Fire House in February 1975.
In August 1979, the company authorized the purchase of a Pierce 1000 gpm Pumper.
In 1984, the company purchased a 1984 International 4000 gallon tanker. In 1988 the company purchased a 1965 Ford and placed in service as a Special Service Unit carrying a cascade system and provisions for personnel and scba.
In 2010, The Silverdale Volunteer Fire Company remains 100% Volunteer. The acquisition of a new pumper truck has improved our efficiency dramatically. We currently cover Silverdale Borough and 29% of Hilltown Township. Our neighboring fire departments include: Sellersville Volunteer Fire Company, Perkasie Fire Company, Hilltown Volunteer Fire Company, Dublin Volunteer Fire Company, Souderton Fire Company and Telford Volunteer Fire Company. Our business meetings are on the first Tuesday of each month. Training/drills are held on the remaining Tuesday’s.