From bucket brigade in the 20th century to modern trucks and firefighting techniques, the Lawnside Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 has come a long way.
Samuel “Butch” Funches, Jr., a life member and former chief, will talk about its 110-year history in a Zoom presentation for the Lawnside Historical Society. This virtual event, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. is FREE to the public. Register in advance at Tinyurl.com/LawnsideFireCo
Funches, a former Lawnside policeman and county sheriff has spent 55 years as a Lawnside fireman. In 2006, he recorded a video oral history along with former chief Franklin Harper, Sr.
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Firefighting is a local family tradition with fathers, sons and grandsons serving in the ranks and as chiefs. The Funches, Jay, and Harper families have service by multiple generations and women’s auxiliary members. Several youth volunteers grew up to become professional firefighters in other cities and towns.
Today’s fire department is housed on the lower level of the borough hall but the original building stood at Hodges Avenue at Warwick Road. The all-volunteer and tax-exempt membership welcomes men and women volunteers and donations to help outfit firemen and purchase equipment. Like them on Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LawnsideFire.
