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Hancock Fire Company No. 5
820 West Airy Street
Norristown, PA 19401
610-272-1090
History
It was back on November 21, 1895, the Hancock Chemical Fire Engine Company was formed. The name of the company was adopted as a tribute to General Winfield S. Hancock, a resident of Norristown who was a distinguished general during the civil war. The number 5 was added to the name and it was under this designation that a charter was granted to the company on January 20, 1896. By an amendment to the charter in 1921, the name of the company was shortened to The Hancock Fire Company.
In November of 1895, when the organization was formed, the following officers were elected: Thomas Neale, President; Henry Kratz and Jerry Larzelere Jr., Vice-Presidents; Charles Wainwright, Secretary; and Harry Stallman, Treasurer. In December of 1895, the Location Committee recommended a site at Airy and Stranbridge Streets for a firehouse. The owner of the plot was John Hagg, and the price was set at $3,000.00. The company also voted to purchase a chemical fire engine from the Charles T. Holloway Company of Baltimore at a price of $1,600.00. With a chemical engine a fire could be extinguished with a minimum of water damage. It was in January of 1896 that the constitution and by-laws were adopted. A few months later in April of 1896 the company purchased a pair of horses for $275.00 and hired a driver, George Sechler, for $8.00 a week.
Finally, in November of 1896, the new building was completed at a cost of $3,907.46. It was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day. It was not until September 1903 that the building was remodeled; installing sanitary sewers and electricity.
In July of 1913, the apparatus committee was given permission to purchase a double 80 gallon chemical engine from American LaFrance for $5,700.00; and in November of 1923, a service wagon for $2,250.00. The first smoke masks were donated by the Water Committee of the Borough of Norristown in September of 1933.
In March of 1987, new bays were constructed to handle the weight of more modern apparatus. In September of 2002, the old firehouse was demolished, with the exception of the newer bays, to make room for a more modern and energy efficient building. It was completed in October of 2003. The firehouse currently houses a 1989 Mack Squrt, a 1997 KME Pumper and a 2003 Spartan Utility Service Unit.
The Hancock is not only involved in fire fighting, but participates in many other public safety events. We pump out basements, supply lighting at various functions, assist police and EMS, and assist other organizations raise money.
As you can see, the Hancock Fire Company has a long history. It has been here for over 100 years, and plan on being here for another 100 years. This will only occur if we continue to get dedicated volunteers serving as fire fighters and administrators. Hopefully, the generations to come will work hard to honor the name and traditions of the Hancock Fire Company.
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