Clarendon Fire Department

History

       
Chief Leonard L. Falbriski

   
Grand Marshall 2004 Sheffield parade                                     Leonard checks out the new Tanker

Clarendon Fire Department proudly protects 2500 people living in an area of 83.5 square miles. We operate out of 1 station that protects a primarily rural area. Our department is a public department whose members are on a volunteer status. We have an ISO rating of 7.

Our Ambulance Service provides 24 hour 7 days a week emergency medical service to people who live and pass through our community. We are a fully equipped BLS service with 11 EMTs, 4 FR/ERs, and 2 ambulances ready to roll. Both of our rigs are equipped with Automated External Defibrillators. We provide many services to the community including CPR, and first aid training.

Clarendon Fire Department

Kinzua Country is indeed fortunate to have a large group of valiant men who spend their every spare moment working to build better organizations to give help, in any way they can, in the Kinzua area. Besides fire protection, these volunteers search for lost hunters, drowned victims, lost picnickers, etc. Besides this, they earn most of the money for their equipment and buildings. With the services they provide, they give you tax breaks with more economical insurance. In this issue of Steppin' Out, we wish to honor the Clarendon Fire Department, a small but vital part of a cooperative larger group.

Reproduced from:
Steppin' Out in Kinzua Country
August, 1974

CLARENDON FIRE DEPARTMENT DEDICATION AUGUST 25th

Clarendon Borough, the small community located six miles east of Warren, Pennsylvania, on Route U.S. 6, gateway to Chapman Dam State Park, is proud of its Volunteer Fire Department.

The Clarendon Fire Department was organized in June 1882, and was known as the Brown Hose Co. In July, it became Cronin Hook & Ladder Co., and in 1883, the Independent Hose Co. Different chiefs were elected the first nine years. Then in 1891, Charles L. McNett was elected chief and served in that capacity for the next 53 years. During those years, the fire department earned a good reputation with the three refineries causing a goodly number of calls.

The equipment from 1883 to 1935 consisted of man-drawn carts, and the department still keeps one of these as an antique and parade piece. In 1935, the first piece of motorized equipment was purchased, this being a Dodge pumper.

In 1936, fire protection was extended to surrounding Mead Township, which is still in effect today.

In May 1944, C. L. McNett, still active, passed away. Charles was a well thought of, hard-working man and had served his community well as chief for 53 years.

Leonard L. Falbriski, assistant chief under McNett, was then elected chief to fill the vacancy, and was again elected on July 9th of this year for his 31st year.

The Fire Department has come along way, not only in fighting fires, but also in emergency and rescue work in Clarendon Borough, Mead Township and the Kinzua Dam Area. They also render assistance to other departments needing help under the Warren County Mutual Aid Agreement.

The firemen are proud of their equipment of two American LaFrance pumpers, and the old Dodge pumper, which is still used as a back up and for lease and forest fires. A well-equipped emergency vehicle, used for first aid and rescue work, a boat and trailer, and portable pumps and power plant are part of the equipment. The Department is completely radio controlled and is tied in with the Warren County Fire Control Radio System. An average of 150 calls are answered during the year.

The largest project the Fire Department has ever undertaken was the construction of the new station. The complex is now near completion, after ground-breaking in September 1972. The new spacious station with roomy truck bays, ramp, radio control room, office, lounge and kitchen facilities is a dream come true for members and officers who for years were handicapped with the old facility.

The firemen are very grateful for the financial support they received from industries, businesses and organizations in the vicinity and residents of Clarendon Borough and Mead Township. The Department has also conducted several fund-raising projects.

The formal dedication and placing of the cornerstone will be held on Sunday afternoon at 4 P.M. on August 25, 1974. An invitation is extended to the general public to attend the dedication.

Current Officers

 102 YEARS OF FIRE CHIEF SERVICE

C. L. McNett 1891-1944

Leonard L. Falbriski 1944-1986