History of Neffs Fire Company

From Air Raid Wardens to Community Heroes:

The Neffs Volunteer Fire Company's story began in 1942, amidst the anxieties of World War II. Dedicated citizens, already organized as Air Raid Wardens, recognized the need for a local firefighting force. Not only for immediate wartime threats, but also for the anticipated growth of their community after the war.

Humble Beginnings and Steadfast Growth:

On April 4th, 1942, a group of six determined individuals - Arthur Henry, Leroy Reichenbach, Irvin Lengel, James Lauchnor, Clayton Snyder, and Paul Kelchner - officially founded the company. By May, officers were elected, with Percy Snyder becoming the first chief. Their first fire truck? A resourceful adaptation - a 1936 Ford chassis equipped with a Bean Pump. Initially, this modest apparatus was housed in a livery stable behind the Neffs Hotel.

Building a Legacy, Brick by Brick:

The dedication of the early volunteers fueled the company's growth. In 1954, a crucial step was taken when land was purchased for a permanent fire hall. The 1960s saw the formation of a building committee, leading to the construction of the original fire hall in 1973. An expansion in December 1973 allowed the station to house four fire vehicles.

Continuous Improvement and Community Focus:

The spirit of innovation continued in 1998 with the formation of another committee dedicated to improvements. Their efforts resulted in a more functional and efficient fire hall, featuring a peaked roof, upgraded heating, and new doors and windows. A significant community-minded addition was the installation of a large air cascade system for refilling breathing air cylinders, benefiting not just Neffs Fire Company but other local departments as well.  In 2022, an addition of two apparatus bays was completed.  This addition placed each apparatus in their own dedicated bay and elimininated the need to move apparatus depending on the call.  This project was made possible with funding sponsored by State Senator Pat Browne.  

A Modern Fleet and Dedicated Responders:

Today, Neffs Fire Company boasts a modern fleet comprising a 2015 Smeal Sirius Engine, a 2001 Semo 5000 Gallon Elliptical Tanker, a 2007 Smeal Sirius Rear-mount Platform Tower and a 2019 Ford F-450 Danko utility truck.  Station 16 is staffed by 19 active firefighters, responding to approximately 300 calls annually. Their dedication and expertise ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

A Legacy of Service and Leadership:

The Neffs Volunteer Fire Company's history is marked by the tireless efforts of numerous individuals. The list of past chiefs, from Percy Snyder to the current chief Jim Steward, represents decades of dedicated leadership. Their commitment has ensured the company's continued growth and service to the community.