In September of 1938, 12 residents of the Morton Plan gathered in the home of Richard Lindap to hold what was to be the first organization meeting of the Mifflin Township's newest fire company. Monthly meetings were held in the homes of the men until the membership grew to 30 members. In 1940, the first By-Laws were drawn up and the Charter was obtained. The company purchased a lot on Fifth Street in the Morton Plan in 1942 to erect the first firehouse. In the fall of 1944, the fire company purchased their first fire truck from Versailles Borough. The company purchased the lot on Lebanon Church Road in August of 1947. The new building was started in June of 1949. A new fire truck was also on order. On June 16, 1950, the fire company and new truck were opened for inspection by the public. The fire company building was built by firemen who donated their time and their labor free of charge. The cost of the building was $16,000.00. The truck presented by the borough had a cost of $21,000.00
A very different type of fire was anxiously attended by the members on Friday, May, 8, 1953 when the three year mortgage on the building was burned. In 1965 the membership continued to grow and the needs of the borough changed. Under the leadership of Howard Kegler and Jack Dorris, a heavy duty Ford emergency truck was purchased at a cost of $12,000 to replace the CMC. The next two fire chiefs, Vince Carr and Charles Hoit, put extra effort into updating equipment which was now becoming obsolete. A new addition to the building was also in the works due to the expansion of the equipment. In 1967, the membership approved the expansion project.
In 1975, under President Bill Drury and Chief Don Brooks, it was decided to build a new building addition. That addition currently houses a 400 seat banquet hall.
Over the past 70 years, many changes and improvements have been made to the original plans and building. As the dates on our calendars have moved ahead, so too has the Lebanon Fire Company, now fondly known as West Mifflin Volunteer Fire Company #3. Here's to 70 more productive and successful years!
For a "Nostalgic Look-back" through photos CLICK HERE |
