History of Green Brook Fire Department.
In 1936, following years of financial difficulty, the Township assumed the responsibility of operating the Fire Company. A stripped Ford truck chassis was purchased in 1936, and James MacMahon (a former Township resident) constructed a body for it at the fire house. It was originally equipped with the soda and acid tanks from the old Republic engine. These tanks were later removed and a pump and 200 gallon water tanks were installed in their place. The Republic engine was sold to George Kafka for use on his farm on Greenbrook Road.
In 1941, a recreation room was added to the fire house with all construction being done by members of the Fire Company. Materials cost approximately $800.00 and were purchased with the proceeds from a carnival.
As the Township grew, the need for additional fire protection was recognized. In 1948, a Pirsch 500 GPM pumper was delivered at a cost of $7,500.00. This engine remains in service today. With the arrival of the new pumper, it was necessary to construct a new apparatus room as the wood floors in the old building were considered unsafe for the additional weight. With the Township supplying materials, the firemen again utilized their skills and volunteer labor to construct the addition.
In 1949, using an idea conceived by Edward Kappelmann, the first Christmas Star was erected on the mountain. The star has become a Christmas tradition, and today we erect an all-aluminum and stainless steel star which measures 21 feet from point to point and is illuminated by 144 bulbs.
The Fire Company celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 1953. A parade commemorating the event was held on September 19th with 42 units from throughout the state participating. A four-wheel drive 3/4 ton military surplus truck was acquired in 1956. A water tank and portable pump were installed by the firemen, and the vehicle was converted into a brush fire fighting rig at a fraction of the cost of a commercially built unit. A much more ambitious project was also undertaken in 1956. A local contractor donated a 1940’s vintage military surplus fire truck to the Fire Company. The Township purchased a new Ford truck chassis, and utilizing their individual skills, the firemen set about building a full-sized pumper to replace the tired old 1935 Ford. The pump and body from the surplus unit were modified and installed on the new chassis. In 1957, after many hours of labor, this 500 GPM pumper was placed in service. It is interesting to note when this truck was retired in 1970 it was sold to another fire company for almost as much as its original cost.
In June 1957, the Junior Fire Dept. was formed. This organization accepted members from age 16 to 21. Trained in the same manner as the senior firemen, the Juniors provided needed manpower — especially at daytime fires.
In 1959, a Ford-Great Eastern 250 GPM quick-attack pumper was purchased. carrying 600 gallons of water and preconnected lines, this engine was designed for a fast initial attack at a fire scene. As the mountain area of our Township developed, the need for better fire protection became apparent. Too much time was lost climbing the steep, mile-long grades with the apparatus. In 1962, construction was started on Fire House No. 2 located next to the park on Rock Road West. With suitable ceremony, the new building was dedicated in December 1962. Two pumpers and a brush fire truck are presently housed there.
A Dodge four-wheel-drive pick-up truck was Township in December 1962. Once again, the Firemen a brush fire truck. This unit was completed in early service. By 1969, it was apparent that the old fire house on Greenbrook Road was inadequate for our equipment. Maintenance costs were increasing, and major structural work was needed on the building. A new fire house was needed, The Township did not have funds available for this purpose, so the Fire Company decided to finance it themselves. A Bingo game was started on Tuesday evenings to raise the money for a down payment. The necessary land was purchased from the Township and ground was broken in April 1971. By October, construction had progressed to the point where we could move in to the new quarters, and the old fire house was razed. Dedication ceremonies were held on December 14, 1971. The Fire Company now had a modern, four-bay station, and a very large mortgage.
1970 saw the arrival of a new Pirsch 1,000 GPM pumper to replace the homemade 1956 Ford. Another brush-fire truck built by the firemen on a four-wheel-drive Chevrolet chassis was also placed into service that year. This unit replaced the 1956 brush fire rig.
As the Township continued to grow, so did its fire protection needs. In 1972, a 1,000 GPM Ford-Great Eastern pumper was added to the apparatus roster. A Chevrolet van was also purchased by the Township and converted into an equipment truck by the firemen.
In 1978 --- our 50th year we are taking delivery of a Great This unit will replace the 1958 Ford pumper. Two brush fire rigs, the equipment van, and professional volunteer fire fighters to protect our purchased by the set to work building 1963 and is still in 1,000 GPM pumper. have four pumpers, importantly — 48 Volunteer firefighters to protect the Township