History of the Barlow Volunteer Fire Company

The Barlow Volunteer Fire Company was organized February 10, 1931 when a group of progressive citizens met with James B. Aumen and D.C. Stallsmith of the Gettysburg Fire Company at the C.E Fair’s Store in Barlow. Before the group went home they organized the Barlow Volunteer Fire Company and elected officers.

In 1938 a parcel of land was purchased and a building program was launched. In 1939 the building was dedicated and is still in use by the fire company as our social hall. In recent years this building has been extensively remodeled by the membership with the addition of a completely renovated kitchen, restrooms, interior, and handicap ramp.

For many years this building served as a voting place for the Eisenhower family and in 1955 we had the honor of the late President Eisenhower becoming an honorary member.

Our first motorized equipment arrived on the scene in 1941, a 1929 Model A Ford pumper, purchased from the Gettysburg Fire Company. In 1947 with local help a new fire truck was built on a Chevrolet two ton chassis and placed into service.

More recent events include the construction of an all steel 52’ x 64’ four bay building in 1982. This building was dedicated in honor and memory of our charter members in July of 1983.

After completing extensive training in vehicle extrication, firefighter rescue, water rescue and farm rescue the Barlow Fire Company enter into the field of rescue services. These services were first provided by means of a large selection of hand tools which included two ten ton port-a-powers, three ton chain come-a-long, three air chisels, a large selection of 3/8” high strength chain, etc. In December of 1986 the fire company seeing the demand for our services growing, purchased an “Amkus Tool” including spreader, ram with extension, cutters, and electric start power unit. At the same time the company also purchased a 108 ton “Vetter” air bag system.

By 1991 Barlow had accumulated over 60 pieces of large 6x6 cribbing ranging from 18 inches up to six feet in length to assist with rescue calls. With the exception of the smaller pieces, our cribbing is stored and at the ready in our quarters. This is available to any company needing it.

In 1993 the Department found the need for more space in the existing Engine House. A 40’x64’ addition was built on the rear of the building. This made way for additional apparatus space, recreation room, offices and day kitchen.

In 1998 the Department built a 25’x 100’ steel out building for use in summer fund raisers. This building houses carnival equipment and has a kitchen for use during carnival and other fund raising events.

In 2007 the Department purchased a 24 acre tract of land from the State of Pa at the intersection of Barlow-Greenmount Rd and Ridge Rd. This land was purchased as an investment with no set plans at this time.