The New Hanover Fire Company is a 100% volunteer organization located in western Montgomery county. Located in in southern region of New Hanover township, it was the second of the two current companies that provides 24 hour protection to the residents of New Hanover township and its surrounding communities.

    On July 9, 1970, a meeting was held in the New Hanover Township Municipal Building to attempt organization of a local fire company. Attending were John Bieleski, Maurice Gisler, Glenn John, Wiliam McElroy, and Donald Scheffey.

    After much hard work and with the support of New Hanover Township residents, the New Hanover Township Fire Company was chartered in April of 1971.

The first elected officers were:

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The first pumper truck was donated in 1970 and later a tanker was donated by the Upper Pottsgrove Fire Company.

    A 6.25 acre tract of land at the corner of Swamp Pike and Romig Road was purchased in November 1971, and the new officers elected for the coming year were:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    The new fire chief, former president, John Bieleski, designed the fire house and construction began in the spring of 1972 under his direction. The only cost to the fire company was the purchase of the land and the building materials used. Many contractors, construction workers, fireman, members, and friends donated their time, skills, and knowledge to build the fire house.

    The fire police squad was formed on January 3, 1973 with Edward Albert as Captain, and Harold Specht, Glenn Yarnall, Allen Sobeck, Gerald Renninger, William Moyer, Richard Freed, Laverne Nester, William Stoudt, and William Kleman as Fire Police Officers.

    I December, 1972, the company went into service with two pumpers, one with a 500 gallon capacity and one with a 300 gallon capacity, both having a 750 gallon pumps. They were purchased as used vehicles from the Horsham Fire Company. The house siren was donated by the Sassamansville Fire Company. At this time there were thirty active firemen in the company.

    On September, 1973, a tank trailer was donated by Springfield Oil Company and in February, 1974, a used 1967 International tractor was purchased from Abe Benner. Both tractor and trailer were refurbished with parts and time donated by the members. The new tanker with a capacity of 4700 gallons was placed in service as 37-31 and our 1947 International tanker was retired. In recent years there were two additions made to the tanker that would enable it to expand its water supplying capabilities. The first was a 350 gpm pump donated and installed by the Gilbertsville Fire Company in December, 1987. The second was the installation of a portable 3000 tank.

    On June, 1981, we took delivery of a new 1980 Dodge four wheel drive 450 gpm mini-pumper. This piece of equipment was placed in service as 37-41 in July, 1981, and replaced our 1957 American LaFrance known as 37-22. Then in December, 1981, MIke Rhoads donated an 1973 GMC 2500 series Step Van. This vehicle was refurbished and converted into a personnel/equipment carrier and was placed in service as 37-81.

    In October, 1988, we took delivery on a 1988 FMC custom pumper. This piece of equipment had a 1250 gpm pump and carried 1000 gallons of water. The truck was placed in service December, 1988 and replaced our 1952 FWD pumper. A formal dedication and housing was held May 6, 1989. In late 1989 we made the transition to large diameter supply hose with the purchase of 1500 feet of five-inch hose. With the addition of this hose we added a new dimension in our ability to supply water to the fire scene. We are currently members of the Western Montgomery County Large Diameter Hose Task Force.

    In the fall of 1990 we started construction on our new engine room. The facility was constructed by Paul W. Moyer & Sons, Inc., with funds donated by the Ladies Auxiliary. In late fall of 1990 construction was completed and we moved into the new building. Renovations were performed on the old building which was converted into a social hall.