The Johnstown Fire Department
Fire fighting throughout the Johnstown area was done by volunteers. The first fire company for
Johnstown was organized in 1808. It wasn't until the year 1930 that the department was composed
entirely of paid firemen. When the village trustees formed the first fire company, it consisted of 14 men
(Some other sources say 24).They were to be assisted at fires by "freeholders, who by decree
should form in line at a fire" under a penalty of $2. In 1808, the chimney of every house, shop and store
had to be cleaned every 2 months or the owner was fined 50 cents for each offense, and a leather
bucket had to be provided for each fireplace or stove. The first hand engine house was built in 1809
and ladders and hooks were bought. Also beginning in 1809, numerous "companies" were formed.
Names of these companies included the "Protection Hook & Ladder Company", "Safety Hose Company
No. 4", "W.S. Northrup Hose Company", "Rip Van Winkle Hose Company", "Tryon Hook & Ladder",
"Cayadutta Hose Company", and the "Decker Hose Company". Purchase of a new hand engine for
$500.00 was voted on in 1824.
An engine house was built on South Market Street in 1850. Organization of the fire depart ment was
greatly improved by the naming of the first fire chief, Walter N. Clark, in 1865. Fire chiefs were appointed
on an annual basis by the Village Trustees, and some had longer tenures than others. Twenty-five men
served as Chief of the Depart ment from 1865 until 1937, al though two men served only one month each.
In 1878 the fire department was re-organized into five companies, and in 1895, when the
village became a city, David Smith was Fire Chief and there were only four companies in exis tence.
"Hand Pumpers" were pulled to fires by firemen with ropes that were attached to the
front of the pumper. These men were called "running boys." Companies would race each other to the
scene of the fire and competition prompted antics among the companies. These antics included such
things as nailing the wheels, which were wood, to the fire house floor. They also would plug up the fire
hoses. Horse wagons became an important part of the fire brigades and until the
village of Johnstown began using them in 1893.
Changes were abundant in Johnstown and the Fire Department be tween 1878 and 1915. Besides being
chartered a city, the residents voted for a municipal water system, a municipal Alarm System, new engine
houses and motorized fire trucks! The latter came in May of 1915 and necessitated hiring a paid fireman-
driver. He was assisted by the City Electrician, whose main purpose was to maintain the alarm system.
Around 1880 a new city building was erected on South William Street.
In 1925, that building was severely destroyed by fire on the upper floors and it was decided to erect a
new City Hall on the land where Station No. 3 was located, 33 E. Main St The old building was renovated
and given to the fire depart ment. That building exists today and is home to Partner's Pub, a
popular tavern. In 1970, the fire department moved into its new home, a very modern,
up-to-date station at 244 N. Perry St. Time took its toll on the volunteer ranks; many members
were going off to war getting too old to keep up the pace. Although they couldn't continue working,
many stayed active hi the "Exempt's Association". This was a private club of sorts, whose membership
was limited to those in the fire department who served the required number of years and were
landowners in the city. They were exempt from paying property taxes and enjoyed social gathering in
their "rooms," •which, for the most part, were rent ed from various businesses or build ing owners
throughout the years. The most recent and last location was the second floor of the Collins Building,
now home to Palmer's Pharmacy.
In 1930 the City Council voted to disband the volunteer companies entirely and hire a full-time, paid
department. At the time, the city had sixteen men on the payroll, as firemen-drivers, and utilized the
remaining volunteers as back-up. But after determining ail costs involved, including lost tax
revenue the exempts, it was determined that it would be more efficient to have
a fully paid department.
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