On March 6, 1925, a group of spirited residents from the western section of Mahanoy City met to discuss the need for additional fire protection in the Borough. The meeting was held at Nork's Hall and it was the consensus of those present to form a fire company. The charter creating the West End Fire Co. #5 was granted on June 29, 1925. Plans were made to erect a permanent engine room and social quarters on the lot of 320-322 W. Center Street. At the August 13, 1925 meeting it was pointed out that to be a member of the WEST END FIRE CO. #5 of Mahanoy City you must be a citizen of the United States of America. This topic came about because Mr. James Mallas a 20 year old Restaurateur was denied admission to the Company and his money be returned " as he is no citizen".

On July 25, 1926 a special meeting was held with President John Urban presiding. It was moved and seconded by Emrick Cehelsky and John Habotsky to buy the Gorman Estate on West Center St. for the sum of $1,000 and have it put to a vote which carried 27-4.

The new year of 1927 started with a special meeting on Jan. 11.

The purpose of this meeting was the awarding of the contracts for the new hose house. The contracts were for General Contract and Electrical to Trexler & Knoll, a sub contract for Plumbing & Heating was awarded to John Gieson. The total contract price for building the home was $27,609.00.

Construction began in February, 1927 and concluded in June of the same year. The first piece of apparatus to be purchased was a used American LaFrance triple combination chemical pumper for the sum of $500.00

***A side note at the Jan. 8, 1928 meeting there were 3 bills for $4.75 each for 1 ton of coal also 1 bill for Hauling Coal for $2.50 *****

The Jan. 27, 1928 meeting saw the WEST END FIRE CO. #5 okaying the purchase of "crocks and bottles for making beer."

All members are to be instructed to buy a ticket for the company ball or be charged with one.

At the meeting of May 9, 1925 it was reported that there were a total of 110 Members out of 140 who marched in the Citizens Steam Fire Co. parade and 116 out of 153 members who marched in the WEST END FIRE CO. #5 parade with another 19 members exempt from marching.

All members who were not exempt from marching were fined $2.00 per parade that they missed.

A street bazaar was scheduled to be held starting on July 6, 1925 This was to be the first of an annual event.

May 19, 1928 saw the WEST END FIRE CO #5 officially joining the Mahanoy City Fire Department with the adoption of the required resolutions.

At the March 5, 1929 meeting the WEST END FIRE CO. #5 was informed that they could appoint a "Fire Patrol Lieutenant". President Urban appointed John Durko to this position for the year 1929.

*****Special note in First Minutes Book Page 127 **************

WEST END FIRE CO. #5 has responded to the first alarm at Box 2-2 Sunday April 14th at 11:25 PM with John Wargo as the driver of the fire apparatus also Pete Conrad, Paul Petrucka, George Wargo , Adam Smith, Pete Smigo. Anthony Metrulis, Chief Driver, came when the truck was at fire.

June 14, 1929 Saw the WEST END FIRE CO #5 being notified that they were entitled to an Assistant Fire Marshall with the Borough Fire Department, also this date saw the resignation of Foreman John Sieck with the appointment of John Wargo to fill that post. The Assistant Fire Marshall position was filled with the appointment of Paul Petrucka. Also at the June 14th meeting, it was reported that the Company answered 4 fire alarms, this was to be the first Foreman's Report in the Company's Records.

On Nov. 15, 1929 it was reported that the WEST END FIRE CO. #5 was admitted to the Fireman's Relief Association of the Borough of Mahanoy City, PA.

In 1935, a Buffalo-Larabee hose wagon replaced the chemical engine. It had a 500 gallon per minute pumping capacity and was purchased for the company by the Borough Council. The color of this apparatus was white; which began a company tradition for all future apparatus. From this point onward all future trucks would have white as a primary color in their color schemes.

On May 12, 1939 a letter was received from the ambulance drive asking for a donation It was agreed upon that since all other companies of the Mahanoy City Fire Department were donating $5.00 to this drive that the WEST END FIRE CO. #5 also donate $5.00.

Dec. 8, 1939 the WEST END FIRE CO. #5 decided to sponsor a Boy Scout Troop.

***B I N G O ***

At a special meeting on Oct. 1, 1940 it was decided that the WEST END FIRE CO. #5 would hold a weekly Bingo Party. The Bingo was to be held every Thursday nite. The Bingo was started off with a loan of $75.00 from the Company and the first nite of bingo was to be October 10, 1940. The committee for this event consisted of 18 members led by Larry Katarsky.

At the meeting of Dec. 12, 1941 it was finally decided to pay the officers a yearly salary . This salary was only to be paid for the months that the officer attended the Company meetings. The Salaries listed were President $15.00 V. Pres. 8.00 Rec. Sec. 15.00 Fin. Sec. 15.00 Treasurer 15.00 Foreman 15.00 Chief Chauf. 15.00 Auditors $1.00 per audit

The June 10, 1945 meeting saw the Foreman's Report showing 5 Alarms including the May 30, 1945 fire where the Company "lost five sections of hose. The truck windshield was cracked from the heat, the headlight and spotlight lens were also cracked. There were 12 men placed on fire watch at the scene. Under Reading of Correspondence a letter from the Secretary of the Mahanoy City Borough Council, in which the Council thanked all the Firemen for the splendid and heroic job they performed during the Memorial Day Fire was read.

Later in the same meeting Joseph Pollack suggested that the Company get together and appoint men to handle certain jobs while at a fire so that when the occasion arises each man will know his respective job. After discussion it was decided that efforts would be made to build an organization of this type. Also at this meeting a long standing Company policy against renting the Co. Hall to any political movement was challenged and at a standing vote it was decided to by motion that: " The Steward is to have charge of all rentals of the Company hall, and, the Steward is not to rent the hall to any political parties whatsoever."

At the Oct. 14, 1945 meeting a suggestion was made to revive the Annual Company Banquet after a 5 year hiatus. The banquet was held on or about November 11, 1945.

Also at the June 1946 meeting it was discussed as to the best procedure to take to pay the Building Debt off. The floor came to the decision that the Company pay its debt of $10,000 off to the American Bank. The motion was for the President, Treasurer and Trustees to take all necessary steps in the redemption of Bonds now held to raise the $10,000 and to transact the necessary details for the clearing of the mortgage with the Solicitor and American Bank.

On August 11, 1946 President Lesavage announced to the Company that the Building is now owned by the Company Free and Clear of all debt. He then suggested the securing of an insurance plan for the building which he placed in the hands of the Trustees. Since the Annual Company Banquet was to be held shortly it was decided to combine the two events and have the mortgage burning ceremony held at the Company Banquet.

The Company Banquet was held on November 10, 1946.

By the March 1950 meeting the Marching Fund had grown to over $3,000.00

The April 1950 meeting saw a letter received from the Heights Fire Co. stating that their truck was "egged" during the parade for the Easter Monday Ball. Also in April new uniforms were ordered for the Marching Club. Combination of Grey and Gold.

The new uniforms were delivered on May 29th and used for the Memorial Day Parade. Cost $2,907.00 for the purchase of 75 uniforms.

Dedication of our New truck was to take place on July 15, 1950

At a parade held in Schuylkill Haven on Sept. 2, 1950 with the Co. wearing the new uniforms. The Company won a $50.00 Prize. The bills for this parade were buses for transportation $47.46 and $50.00 for the Centralia Legion Band leaving a loss of 47.46 for the day.

March 25, 1951 saw the purchase of a Television Set at a cost of $500.00.

April 29, 1951 saw Mr. Gus Smith of the American Bank beginning sponsorship of the Friday nite movies at the hose house.

May 27, 1951 the President stated he was contacted by "certain women" to organize a Women's Auxiliary. Permission was granted for this endeavor.

Years end of 1951 also saw the ending of the WEST END FIRE CO. #5's sponsorship of Boy Scout Troop #57. The nearly $150.00 left in the Scout's account was evenly distributed among Mahanoy City's remaining 4 Scout Troops.

The Buffalo hose wagon was retired in 1951 and replaced with a Mack open-cab 750GPM pumper which remained in service until 1975.

July 22, 1952 the building was struck by lightning causing damage to the roof and third floor. This damage was covered by insurance however the TV was also damaged but not covered by insurance.

On May 31, 1953 Larry Souchak became the third President of the WEST END FIRE CO. #5, filling the unexpired term of Charles Lesavage.

July 25th to Oct. 25th 1953 was a very busy time for the Mahanoy City Fire Department which answered 31 Fire Alarms. 21 Out of Town Calls, 1 General Alarm, 7 Silent and 2 False Alarms. The West End Fire Co. answered 27 of these calls.

Jan. 1954 saw Anthony Cook being sworn in as the fourth President of the West End Fire Co. #5. Not bad for an Organization that was 29 years old.

May 30, 1954 saw a change in meeting time and date from the last Sunday of every month to the present meeting time of the last Friday of every month at 7:30 PM.

In 1955 the question of renting the hall for political parties was again raised. Once again it was decided to stay with the old motion that the hall NOT be rented to political organizations.

The end of March 1955 saw the weekly Bingo temporarily disbanded.

The April 24, 1955 meeting saw the official creation of the Mahanoy City Fire Dept. Little League Team.

May 15, 1955 saw the official organization of the Schuylkill County Fireman's Association at a meeting in Tamaqua. Side note: the Second meeting of this Association took place in Mahanoy City.

The first Schuylkill County Fireman's Association convention Parade was held in Tamaqua in early Oct. 1955 with the WEST END FIRE CO. #5 received Second Prize for Best in Line and also a prize for having the fattest man in the Parade. At the Nov. meeting it was learned that the Co. also placed second for most in line at the county parade.

Jan. 27, 1956 saw Joseph Tenes sworn in as the new President of the WEST END FIRE CO. #5. This meeting also saw the okay for payment of $2.00 for gas for one vehicle to attend the Schuylkill County Fireman's Association meetings. July 21, 1958 saw a report made to the body about the Treasurer of the Sch. County Fireman's Assoc. who absconded with $1,600.00. The bonding company paid $1,000.00 and the family repaid the remaining $600.00.

The July 1960 meeting saw reports given by various chairmen concerning the County Convention Parade to be held in Mahanoy City later that year. Glasses will cost 25¢ each, Kaiers will be the only beer served, All local Companies are going to try to have a float of their own in the parade.

At the Dec. 30, 1960 meeting Charles Cheslofsky nominated Andrew Novatny for all offices so that there would be competition in the election. However Andrew Novatny declined every nomination.

Sept. 1961 Treasurer's Report showed the following Balances Marching Fund $1,633.66 Death Fund 1,658.29 50/50 Fund (Banquet Fund) 577.02 General Fund 581.50

The Banquet Fund listed above is to commemorate the burning of the mortgage 15 years prior and is to be held on Nov. 11, 1961. Chairman John Dugan reported the following itinerary: 6:30 to 7:30 Cocktails, 7:30 Dinner, Dancing about 9:00 PM Members and their wives or sweethearts $2.50 per person. Also a buffet luncheon was approved to start at midnight.

The Nov. meeting showed the Banquet Report as Income $414.50 121 tickets @ $2.50 and 112 patrons @ $1.00 and Expenses of $537.18 for a Loss of $122.68

The initial meeting of what would become the Fire Board of Trustees was held Feb. 6, 1967 at the Citizen's Steam Fire Co.

Permission was granted from the Borough Council to place a Electronic siren device on the roof of the station on March 29, 1968.

Aug. 28, 1968 saw the end of the Company supplying foot markers for the graves of deceased members and the start of the Company purchasing flowers for the deceased funeral instead.

The March 20, 1970 meeting saw the membership receive a report that there was still $3,000 left over from the Centennial celebration. The question on what to do with our share was discussed and it was decided that we would donate that amount to the Ambulance Fund.

May 15, 1970 the WEST END FIRE CO. #5 at a special meeting endorsed Mr. John Wertz for the position of Fire Chief unanimously.

The June 26, 1970 meeting saw a request for funds from the Mahanoy City Ambulance. The request was granted with a donation of $25.00 from the Co. Also at the June meeting the President and three trustees meet with the borough manager and stressed that the WEST END FIRE CO. #5 would be self supporting.

The Aug. 28, 1970 meeting saw a request by Joseph Koval for members to come out & join the Fire Police.

The year 1970 also saw the Annual Banquet missed for the first time since World War II. The Ball that was held in 1971 was to be the last affair for the Co. until the Banquet was reinstated in 1997

The Jaycees sent a thank you note to the West End Fire Co. for illuminating the judging area for the Halloween Parade.

The July 1971 meeting saw a notation under the heading of "Betterment of Company" stating that the chair was reprimanded for "using pool room vernacular." Note that President Tenes was not in charge at this meeting.

1972 Also saw the Mahanoy City Fire Department hosting the Schuylkill County Fireman's Association Parade during the month of October.

A side Note: the WEST END FIRE CO. # 5 was noted as a company with a strong marching unit who always marched with a band and some of the bands that the Co. used over the years consisted of the Mahanoy City and Mahanoy Area High School, also Marian High School and Shenandoah High School. The North Schuylkill High School Band. The Girardville American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps, the Reading Police Cadet Marching Unit the Cressona Legion Band, as well as the Centralia and Hazleton Bands.

The year 1973 saw the passing of the Presidental mantle from Mr. Joseph Tenes to Mr. John Dugan.

The Jan. 1973 meeting also saw a report given for the 1972 County Convention. Final disbursments were made on a profit of $2, 179.36 with the five Mahanoy City Fire Cos. and the Delano Fire Company each receiving$363.22

May 25, 1973 saw a delegation picked to approach council and see if we could get an equipment truck. however the June meeting had a report that stated we were refused our request for the equipment truck but a new fire truck was promised us in two years.

March 30, 1973 saw a motion on the floor for the formation of a "Women's Auxiliary. With the stipulation that there must be at least 10 Women in the Organization the motion passed.

Oct. 1974 saw a committee planning for the 50th Anniversary of the WEST END FIRE CO. # 5.

Jan. 1976 saw Joseph Lobichusky take over as President of the Company. Mr. John Dugan served for three years. Other Presidents include James Oslar, Louis Truskowsky and the present President is David Mummy.

Also Jan. 1976 saw the retirement of John Pollack as Assistant Fire Chief for the Company and Frank Boyle as Chief Chauffeur. However in recognition of their years of service two new positions were created for them those being Equipment Chief John Pollack and Truck Coordinator Frank Boyle. Elected unanimously to the position of Asst. Fire Chief was Albert Repella.

With the arrival of the new Mack Fire Truck it was decided to have the housing on May 1, 1976 from 2 - 6 PM.

In 1975, a new Mack CF pumper was purchased by the Borough. It had a 1,000 GPM Waterous pump. With much regret, the 1949 Mack was sold; however it is still in service as of 1973 and is operated by the Quakake Fire Company of Rush Township.

The April 1976 meeting saw the okay for the purchase of FM radios if the Boro Fire Department all went along.

In 1978, Joseph Gavala became an Assistant Chief for the borough and a new dimension was added to the Company by providing the community with a new service - that of a rescue squad. The opening of Interstate 81 and the response time of a neighboring rescue squad mandated that something be done. The company purchased a Hurst hydraulic-powered tool called the "Jaws of Life". Shortly after its purchase, Hurst awarded its prized "Green Cross" of safety and performance to two members of the Company for their unique usage of tools which saved the life of the entrapped victim. As the membership began taking many rescue and EMT courses, the body decided to change the name of the charter to read: "The West End Fire and Rescue Company" in that same year of 1978.

In 1980, the arsenal of rescue tools purchased by the Company would no longer fit on the Mack Engine which served as a firefighting/rescue vehicle. Seeing how overburdened the engine had become a truck committee was formed which resulted in the purchase of a 1979 Ford/EVF light duty rescue truck. To help offset its cost the now Annual Rescue Drive of the Borough and surrounding patches began. The Rescue Drive is always held in conjunction with National Rescue Week which is the last week in March into the first week of April. In addition to vehicular rescue and assisting at fire scenes, the company expanded to have a dive team and a rope rescue team.

Like so many other volunteer organizations, funding became a priority with two pieces of apparatus and the desire to equip it with the best. The early 1980's saw the creation of the Annual Block Party held at the end of June. Nevertheless it was still not enough to meet rising costs, so in 1986 BINGO became a Tuesday Night attraction to raise funds.

As the increasing needs for rescue capabilities increased, so did the need for a larger rescue truck. On August 3, 1987, a Ford PP&L lineman's truck was purchased at an auction and converted by Eastern Rescue. The vehicle was delivered after month's of design and became "state of the art" carrying the latest in rescue equipment. On May 15, 1987, a double dedication ceremony was conducted with the housing of the heavy duty rescue in the Company's new engine room and social quarters located in the 700 block of West Mahanoy Avenue. The old firehouse was sold to the Humane Fire Company. This gala event was held in conjunction with the 125th Anniversary of the founding of the Borough of Mahanoy City known as the "Quasquicentennial".

In 1988, a used 4-wheel drive Chevy Blazer was purchased to serve as a quick response vehicle and for off the road rescues. Since its purchase it has proven its worth on more than one occasion and currently serves as a light duty rescue vehicle.

In late 1989, the Mack CF pumper was sent to SWAB Wagon Company of Elizabethville for refurbishing. Work included a new paint scheme to match the rescue vehicles and the new company logo design by Ken Jones and Joe Gavala, half-doors to comply with NFPA standards, and reflective safety trim. When the truck was delivered in March of 1990, it included as part of its improved design: the first positive pressure ventilation fan in the county and 1,000 feet of 5 inch large diameter hose In the spring of 1991, the membership agreed to sell the Company grove in Locust Valley and began work on a more conveniently located recreational area. It was built behind the Company building and includes: a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a picnic grove.

In September 1991, the West End participated in the Pa. State Firemen's Convention in Ashley, PA The marching unit of 35 men took first place in its category and the heavy duty rescue truck took a second place trophy. This feat was duplicated the following year of 1992 in Gettysburg with the marching unit again taking first place and this year the engine took second place in its category.

Construction began on our Banquet Facility and Bingo Hall in late 1991. The majority of the work was done by the membership. After months of labor the hall was completed by Labor Day 1992. The Hall has been used for various community service and as a major company fund raiser. Wedding Receptions are held in the Banquet Hall as well as Bingo every Tuesday night.

On December 6 of 1997 Rescue 993 rolled over on an icy night while returning from a call on Interstate 81 near the Delano Exit. Our heavy rescue truck, while crossing an ice covered bridge, rolled over hospitalizing three rescue responders and seriously damaging the vehicle. Two members were treated and released and one was admited for an overnight.

Also in 1997 an Army Ambulance was obtained from the State Forestry. The company put into high gear the project of getting the federally obtained vehicle on the road to maintain rescue services to the community. Work on the truck started shortly after its arrival and in late winter 1998 Rescue 469 was comissioned a lite rescue. This Truck was, for over a year, our primary response truck to rescue calls. Equipted with Fire Extinguishers, a Cascade system, Jaws of life and many other necessary rescue tools. The rear interior shelving was done by the local correctional facility and the exterior paint was done commercially but the great majority of the work was done in house by the members.

Summer 1998 a contract for a new heavy duty rescue to replace the damaged rescue was awarded to Kovatch Motor Equiptment (KME) in Nesquehoning. Designing and refining what the truck should be like started in early spring. This is also when the company entered the information super highway with the start of a company web page so the world could learn about the company easily.

1999 proved to be a busy year. In the end of June during Bazaar weekend saw the delivery of the new Heavy Rescue 993. This is the largest truck the company has ever had. After years having large trucks that just were not large enough, too much was just right. On September 4th 1999 Rescue 993 took First Place at the Schuylkill County Fire Convention held in Tamaqua. On September 25th 1999 Rescue 993 took First Place Heavy Rescue for the State of Pennsylvania in Greensburg, western PA. The Rescue has been displayed at Fire Expo's in both Syracuse NY and Baltimore MD.

Engine 5 (the 1950 Mack pumper) was purchased by Quakake Fire Company in the 70's. An now is the property of Mike Kitsock who is a member of the our Company. It is a 1950 750GPM Mack with a 300 gallon tank. During the summer while putting together Rescue 993, the company also had the task of getting the "Old Mack" back to its original look. On September 4th 1999 it took second place at the Schulkill County Fire Convention.

Also, during 1999, a boat with trailer was donated to the company. It has been re painted and striped by company members. A trailer hitch was installed on Squad 993 to pull the trailer. This boat is used by our dive team for water emergencies and training.

On August 26th, 2000 the company celebrated the first 75 years of continued service to Mahanoy City and surrounding communities as well as a housing for our 2 newest trucks and also our oldest truck. The day started off with judging apparatus from all over the area followed by a truck parade. During ceremonies United States Representative Tim Holden presented president David Mummey with an American Flag which had flown over the Nations Capital building. Others in attendance were State Representative Ed Lucyk, Commisioner Jerome Knowles, and Mayor Debagio as well as company officers, members and the public. Champagne bottles were broken over Rescue 993, Rescue 469 as well as Engine 5 (1950).