Although our history as a company is rather short compared to others, we have grown and expanded at an alarmingly fast rate. With the forethought and ingenuity of several individuals the drive for an efficient company was underway.

The Shermans Dale Community Fire Company was incorporated as a non-profit organization on September 16, 1952. One must recognize that at this time Shermans Dale was nothing more than a small village surrounded by an abundant farming community. While the village was much as it is today, the remainder has continued to grow. Housing developments, mobile home parks, and a small shopping district have slowly replaced the farmland. Also included is the ever-increasing flow of traffic on Rt.34, the main thoroughfare through Shermans Dale.

Prior to that September day, the individuals of the community realized they needed better fire protection. Understanding that it had to be closer than neighboring communities could provide. All that was needed for this to get started was a strong backbone that the rest could work and manage off of. Miles Foote, William Brunner, Dick Shatto, and Percy Smeigh provided this solidarity. They provided and at times demanded a good work ethic that is still the inspiring motive present in today’s company and its members.

The company’s first piece of apparatus was a 1932 Buick coupe. They mounted a 250-gallon water tank in the trunk and strapped a ladder to the roof. Primitive as it sounds, this piece was used as the main piece for two years. Without a station to house this piece, it was kept in a garage owned by Dick Shatto. After only about a year or so to get things established, ground was broken for a permanent fire station. So in 1954 things were well on their way. The building of the new station had to be accomplished in a very timely manner considering the company had decided to purchase a new 1954 Chevrolet / Darley pumper. This piece would be able to pump 500gpm and carry 600 gallons of water. This piece cost approximately $7200.00 and fully equipped the price tag rose to nearly $12,000.00.

In 1960 the company purchased a 1952 Ford tank truck that held 1000 gallons of water. With this the company added on to the firehouse for more room. Again space became a high premium for the company. It seems that to even be the case today. Then in 1964 the company installed two-way radios to help improve their response time and overall efficiency. In 1965 the company bought a 1964 Chevrolet tank truck that could haul 1000 gallons of water. This would complete the company’s apparatus total for several years. Deciding that the time had come to upgrade again, the company in 1973 purchased a new Chevrolet / Darley pumper. It could pump 750gpm and would be used like an engine. With this purchase came the need to add on to the firehouse, again. Once the addition was complete the firehouse would then be able to house 4 pieces in two bays. Then again in 1978 they purchased a new Chevrolet / Darley pumper that could pump 750 gpm and haul 1600 gallons of water. This then concluded the addition of apparatus for several years.

The Original Firehouse. (1954-1973)

In 1985 the company purchased a Hendrickson / Darley engine. This would become the company’s primary piece on the majority of calls. It is able to pump 1000gpm and haul 525 gallons of water.

After only six years the company decided it was time to build a firehouse for the future. The blueprints were laid out and the groundwork begun. To do this the community hall and the house beside it had to be torn down. This was accomplished allowing us to add on to the existing firehouse. After a lot of hard volunteered work our present firehouse was built. There were so many people involved, it wouldn’t proper to try and thank and list everyone. Only out of fear of missing someone, and that wouldn’t be fair to everyone involved. We truly tested the heart and attitude of the company with this long enduring project. While still managing to run our regular fundraisers we also spent many, many hours with this building. Almost to many to count. But in the end we can truly say that we persevered and became stronger.

In 1995 the company purchased a GMC four door pick-up truck. This unit would be used as a utility and brush piece. No longer needing to rely on Chief Minich’s personal pick-up as our brush truck. Then in 2000 we purchased a 150-gallon Darley skid unit with a 200ft hose reel. Better equipping this piece for multiple functions. The last piece the company bought in 1997 was a Spartan / Darley tank truck. It is capable of hauling 2500 gallons of water and pumping 1500gpm. This brings us to our present day apparatus total, an engine, three tankers, and a utility.

The company has only had five fire chiefs in its history. They are and always have been the strong willed leader of this company. They have always set a good standard of excellence that we have followed for the life of the company. The first two years the duty of chief was split among three guys, Dick Shatto, Bill Brunner, and Floyd Vaughn 52-53. Then, Dick Shatto 54-72, Walt Kirk 73-74, and Mike Minich 75-Present. All five men have managed to lead this company to where we presently are today. All five contributed something to this company that the other members have been able to work off of. Traits that have built the heart and soul of the company.

We currently have first due response area in two counties.  The majority of our territory is in Carroll Township, Perry County.   That would equal approx. 60 square miles.  We also cover half of Rye Township and a small portion of Spring Township, totaling approx. 12 square miles.  In Middlesex Township, Cumberland County we cover a small portion of territory totaling approx. 6 square miles.  Out of all these municipalities we run about 70% of our calls in Carroll Township.

As the population continues to rise, so do our call totals every year.  Thus making us have to work harder at raising money so we can provide the best maximum protect to our communities and their citizens.   With the help from these townships and their citizens our work is somewhat lessened.  We owe them all a great deal of gratitude.

With the company being started out of the community, we strive to serve them the best way we were taught and know how too. The only differing feature between 1952 and present would be that the countryside has changed. But the same as in 1952 we today look to send this company a long way into the future, protecting and serving what made us in the beginning. We are still working and managing off the same backbone that was created back in the very beginning.