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Allison H & L No. 2

2 days ago

On this day. . .119 Years ago. . .in Harrisburg Fire Dept. history

July 25, 1905-At 3:50 p.m. Box 25, Hummel and Mulberry, was pulled for an exploding oil stove that set fire to a frame out building at 1154 Derry Street. The building was well involved on the arrival of Mt. Pleasant Engine No. 8. The fire had communicated to the rear of 1156 Derry Street before it was knocked down. No loss given.

The Mt. Pleasant boys had to work alone for quite a while due to the order Mayor Edward Z. Gross issued four days previous. Due to the weakened condition of the original Mulberry Street Bridge, his order stated that all fire apparatus from the downtown companies responding to the Allison Hill district were forced to travel the narrow two lane Market Street subway. At Cameron and Market they had the option of the long climbs up the Derry or Market Street or Jonestown Road hills, all of which required the drivers to walk the horses instead of running them. No team of horses would survive a run pulling heavy fire apparatus up any one of those three hills “on the run.” The Telegraph reported that all the rigs then used Market Street and south on 13th.

At the fire Fireman Frank Grabbe of the Mt. Pleasant No. 8 suffered badly cut fingers on his right hand.

Incidents like this and the closure of the Mulberry St. Bridge were a direct result of the organization of the Allison Hook & Ladder Co. No. 2, later that year. ... See MoreSee Less

Allison H & L No. 2

6 days ago

Remembering those Harrisburg Fireman that are now gone but will never be forgotten. . .Ronald E. Ream, Badge No. 58

Long time Squad 1 member, U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War and excellent fireman who was never afraid to get dirty, retired Harrisburg firefighter Ronny Ream died on Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 14 years ago today.

Ronny served in the Fire Bureau on two different occasions. He was first appointed on February 1, 1959 and given Badge No. 51. He was immediately assigned as the driver of the Battalion Chief on A Platoon working from the Hope No. 2 firehouse on N. Second Street. As a driver he also worked relief on Engines 6, 9, and 11. Ron resigned on November 17, 1962.

Ron was reappointed on March 23, 1968 and this time was given Badge No. 58. He was immediately assigned to Squad 1, C Platoon. He worked there until May, 1976 when he transferred to Ambulance 1 working on both C and A Platoons. In September, 1977 he transferred back to Squad 1, A Platoon and three years later bid over to Squad 1, D Platoon. When Squad 1 was deactivated in January, 1983 he transferred to newly formed Squad 8, D Platoon. Ronny retired on October 1, 1988.

When I came on the job in 1975, I was also assigned to Squad 1, C Platoon and Ronny was the regular chauffeur on Dumbo. Here was a guy who could wheel that big rig, never miss a gear and get every ounce of horsepower from her 707 cu. inch gas engine. Several years later after D Platoon was formed I was the regular driver for Battalion Chief Mike Bownaze from Station 2 and Ronny and Mike Bailey were the two men assigned to Squad 1.

Ronny was definitely from a different era with his slicked back DA haircut, a joy to work with, a tough-as-nails fireman with a great personality, practical joker and the sort of fireman who would never let you down. I think it was Ronny that instigated the idea to assemble Pismo Beach in the courtyard of Station 2.

When I think of these guys I worked with during the War Years, at times I find it a little hard to believe it’s been 36 years since Ronny retired. Rest in Peace Brother. ... See MoreSee Less

Allison H & L No. 2

2 weeks ago

Another Pennsylvania Pump Primers INC. and Allison H & L No. 2 open house in the books!

It was a little warm this year but otherwise beautiful weather!!! Thank you to everyone that comes out and supports these organizations and functions!!

We wouldn’t be here without you and your support!!

👊🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 ... See MoreSee Less