Fire Department

History of the Southwest Greensburg Fire Department

The origins of the Southwest Greensburg Fire Department date back to 1902 when Albert M. "Bert" Bell first proposed fire protection for the Borough of Southwest Greensburg. Though initially voted down, Bell’s persistence led to another meeting in June 1905, where the organization of a volunteer fire department was discussed at length. After several gatherings, a committee was formed, and on July 27, 1905, the Southwest Greensburg Hose Company No. 1 was officially established. The newly organized fire department received a hose cart donation from Colonel George F. Huff, marking the acquisition of its first firefighting equipment.

Early operations were modest, with a hose cart stored in a stable and a dinner bell, donated by Jacob Eisaman, serving as the community’s first fire alarm in 1906. In 1908, the fire department moved into a newly constructed fire hall and municipal building, equipped with a bell tower that further improved its alerting system. By 1912, alarm boxes were installed, marking a significant upgrade in emergency response capabilities.

The fire department underwent a name change to the Southwest Greensburg Fire Department in 1915, and in 1918, it transitioned from manual to motorized equipment with the purchase of a six-cylinder Studebaker. As technology advanced, the department continued to upgrade its apparatus, adding a 500-gallon-per-minute Mack pumper in 1931, which further enhanced firefighting efficiency.

The 1950s through the 1980s marked a period of modernization and growth. New apparatus, including a Mack pumper in 1954 and a light and salvage unit in 1989, enabled the department to tackle increasingly complex emergencies. In 1973, construction began on a new firehouse, which was dedicated in 1974 at a cost of $133,015, providing the department with a modern base of operations.

One of the most challenging incidents in the department’s history occurred on September 7, 1973, when a chlorine gas leak from a chemical plant required a swift and coordinated response to evacuate and protect nearby residents. The firefighters’ extensive training and preparedness paid off, and the situation was contained without injury.

In 2000, the department purchased a Pierce Dash engine, featuring a Husky Foam system and enclosed seating for eight, enhancing firefighter safety and operational capability. In 2008, Southwest Greensburg Fire Department achieved recognition as a "Participating Department" under the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner’s certification program, affirming its commitment to training and professional development.

A major milestone came in 2010 when the department secured a $650,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant, allowing for the purchase of a 105-foot Quint apparatus. This acquisition replaced older equipment without financial impact on the community. Continuing its commitment to modernization, the department introduced a new Rescue Pumper in 2018, custom-built by Spartan and 4 Guys Fire Trucks, which replaced the 2000 Pierce Dash to better serve the borough’s growing needs.

Today, the Southwest Greensburg Fire Department upholds a proud legacy of dedication to community safety. With a focus on rapid response, rigorous training, and a forward-thinking approach to equipment and tactics, the department stands ready to protect the residents of Southwest Greensburg and surrounding areas.

Visit https://swgfire.org/ for more information