We Understand that who we are today is because of those who have come before us and in whose shoes we now stand. Because of this we have compiled a brief history of the department so that we can look back and understand who we are.
Prior to 1931, the Eighth, or Keating District, of Ross Township was without immediate fire protection with the exception of the assistance that could be afforded by the Perrysville Fire Company which is some five miles from our district; or of course the neighborhood bucket brigade.
Beside the enormous fire insurance rates, our residents lived in constant fear of fire because of inadequate fire protection which generally meant a complete loss of property plus the possible loss of life.
Early in 1931 a public spirited resident from West View Avenue decided that something could be done to assure his friends and neighbors of a volunteer method of combating fire losses.
In April of 1931, a meeting was called at the Hamilton School, Cemetery Lane, for
the purpose of establishing a permanent fire company. About thirty-
During the first meeting, temporary officers were elected with the purpose of establishing, a permanent fire company, a permanent meeting place, for ways and means of raising funds to purchase fire equipment. This group secured the second floor of the Pittsburgh Railways Keating Car Barn for meeting on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. The first major problem facing our founders, was how to make money to purchase a fire truck.
Their first project was a card party held in the Samuel Hamilton School gymnasium. All prizes and equipment such as chairs, tables, cards and bingo equipment was borrowed.
On July 3, 1931, we received our corporate charter from the State of Pennsylvania. Our company now was official and it title was The Keating Fire Company of Ross Township Incorporated. Many carnivals were held. They also were well supported financially by neighbors and friends.
On August 18, 1931, a contract was signed for the delivery of a new Buffalo Fire Apparatus at the cost of $6,000.00. This truck was delivered in October of that year.
In April, 1932, By-
Mr. Fred Etter furnished space in his garage on Perry Highway for housing the new
fire truck. Mr. George Kim, who ran a local funeral home, permitted the fire siren
to be placed near his home and gave twenty-
On September 22, 1932, 75 foot frontage on West View Avenue was purchased from Pittsburgh Railways Company and on February 24, 1938, an additional 50 foot frontage was purchased from the same company. In 1939 our present building was dedicated.
On August 20, 1952, a contract was signed for a new American-
During these past years, many things have been done, with the help of dedicated members serving on fund raising, building and truck committees such as the addition to our building, purchasing new trucks; a 1960 Ford squad at a cost of $15,000.00 and a Hahn pumper at a cost of $45,690.50, and new improvements to our grounds. And as we think of this past History, let us not forget our Ladies Auxiliary who have worked shoulder to shoulder with the firefighters through the past years.
Well there comes a time when every great vehicle must come to an end. In 1993 we retired the Hahn as we do at times and placed in service a New Pierce 10 man Enclosed cab Lance Cab. Also in the year 1997 it became time to replace the old hedgebusting 1960 Ford Squad and we decided to replace it with a new Smeal open rear squad built on an International chassis.
We sincerely hope that today's Keating Fire Company will remember the labor and loyal support of past members for building an outstanding and fine fire company and will continue to do so to build and strengthen the Keating Fire Company.
Thank you
The Members of Keating Fire Company Past and Present