Star Hose Fire Company #1 of Emerald

STARHOSE FIRE COMPANY #1 OF EMERALD 

June 30, 1909 a citizens meeting was held in the Emerald schoolhouse. William Ranch was elected as president and Clarence J.  Fenstermaker as Secretary. It was decided that the President appoint two committees; one to secure the plugs, and the other to see the hose and carrier offered by the Slatington Hose Company. this meeting that the nozzle which is offered at ten dollars be purchased.   

• July 26, 1909, a committee was appointed to solicit names to organize a fire company.  
• August 9, 1909 the names Pioneer, Progressive, Emerald, Eureka, Phoenix, Slate Valley, Star and Pearl elected treasurer and Milton J.  Sechler was elected vice president. 
• October 11, 1909 it was decided to organize as a fire company. 
• November 8, 1909 the Star Fire Company held their first monthly meeting in the public-school house of Emerald. The following were elected: 
  • President - William Rauch 
  • Vice President - Thomas Be
  • Secretary - W.P. Oswald  
  • Fire Chief - Lewis Scheffler,
  • Asst. Chief - Ralph Roth 
  • Treasurer - Weston Kem 
    • A bill from the Borough of Slatington for S44.00 for their first fire equipment was presented for the following items:  
    • One carriage - $25,00
    • Four Sections of Hose - $6.00 
    • one Nozzle - $10.00
    • Spanners & Hooks - $1.00
    • One Reducer - $2.00 
• July 11, 1910 it was decided to proceed to build a hose house 40' x 22' on the lot presented by J. W. Roth. 
• September 18, 1911 it was decided to secure plans for the erection of a hose house which was to be 22'x 40. 
• January 29, 1912 they held their first meeting in the new hall to decide how to raise funds for the benefit of the Fire Co. 
• March 5, 1913 it was reported that a bell for the fire hall was received and paid. 
• March, 1930 a one ton Ford truck was purchased for $20.00 for the fire apparatus. It was decided to purchase a reel for hose from the Slatington Fire Company. 
• July 5, 1932 the Directors reported that they bought the Coopersburg Fire Truck for $I25.00. 
• November 6. 1934 it was decided to purchase the Compressor Building and a title of the property be procured. They decided the minimum charge for the park is $5.00. 
• On August 30, 1935, a picnic was held at the park with a group called the "Doodle Sockers" as the entertainment. 
• January 30, 1936 the first meeting to organize the Ladies Auxiliary was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Rauch. Those present were Arlene Beltz, Eva Schuck, Estella Peters, Estella Smith, Ellen Krum, Daisy Peters, June Kuhnsman, and Mr. W.Oswald. The first president of the Ladies Auxiliary was Arlene Beltz, and the first secretary was June Kuhnsman. 
• January 26,1937 Henry Beltz reported that returns from Harisburg were received in regards to organizing a Fireman's Relief Association of Washington Township, which would combine the Slatedale, Friedens and Emerald Fire Companies. W.P. Oswald, William Schuck, and Grant Seip were appointed as the committee to represent the Star Hose Company to organize the Firemen's Relief Association. The first meeting was to be held at Emerald. William Williams. This was completed by November. grounds for the purpose of providing more space for the stoves. 
•  November 19, 1938 at the Hose House in order to raise money for a new roof. 
• September 23, 1937, it was decided to give the job of shingling and painting the Hose House to William Williams. This was completed by November.
• April 5, 1938, it was voted on to build a piece on to the refreshment stand on the picnic grounds for the purpose of providing more space for stoves. 
• October 10, 1938, they decided to have a shooting match in the afternoon and a hot roast beef supper in for the Hose House in order to raise money for a new roof. They made a profit of $67.51 on this function. 
•  July 17, 1941, a special meeting of citizens and property holders of Emerald was held at which they decided to look for a good secondhand truck.
• April 6, 1942, meeting Walter Dorward reported that a fire plug was installed at the Hose House and that an agreement between the Water Company and Fire Company would be made in May in regard to the fire plug.
•  June 1, 1942, Grant Seip, the Secretary, reported that the old fire truck was sold for S10.00.
• August 3, 1942 the President, Walter Dorward, appointed a Fire Truck Committee granting them the right to buy suitable equipment up to $600.00 without calling for s special meeting.
• April 5, 1943 it was decided that the Company pay all the dues of their members who are in the armed forces. 
• December 6, 1943, meeting the Truck Committee reported they had purchased a Chevrolet Truck for right $350.00. It was decided to start a drive for all kinds of scrap; the funds to be used for remodeling Fire Truck and the purchase of other necessities. 
• February 1, 1944, Grant Seip reported the Star Hose Co. has been invited to attend a meeting at Schnecksville Fire Hall on February 28th, with intentions to help to organize a Rural Fire Fighting Organization, which is to include all area Companies in rural districts in the upper and western part of Lehigh County. The principle part of this organization is to get acquainted with members and firefighting equipment of different companies, which will give more efficient fire Protection to the public. It was decided our Company Join this organization, and Harold Roth, Grant Seip and Alton Neff were the committee appointed to represent our Fire Company. 
• August 14, 1944, Grant Seip reported that the Booster Tank was received and was build as ordered. 
• November 1944 the Fire Company celebrated their 35th Anniversary with a clam chowder supper, netting a profit of $135.55. 
• March 5, 1945, Grant Seip was instructed to order 220volt siren from Darley Company, which was received and installed before the aprils meeting.
• January 5, 1953, Laman Snyder and Harold Roth made a motion that a three man committee be appointed to have charge of the Sinking Fund and shall be used for entertainment and building improvement. The following men were appointed to serve on this committee: Thomas Scheffler, Jr., Robert CresSman & Leroy Snyder. 
• July 6, 1953, meeting the school directors of Washington Township asked for rental of the upstairs hall for use of school room for the term 1953-54. Permission was granted. arrived and was ready to be put up would be given at about $500.00 a year for firefighting equipment. 
• January 4, 1955, it was mentioned that the alarm box that was to be put outside the fire hall. 
•  January 7, 1957, Grant Seip reported that aid from the Washington Township road supervisors 
• March 14, 1957, the fire truck was damaged due to a traffic accident while going to a fire, and non- members were riding the apparatus, Grant Seip reported there was a dispute concerning the payment of the damages caused by the auto accident involving the fire truck. Total damages were $229.15. They voted to let the insurance companies settle the cost damages. At the November 4, 1957 meeting Attorney Villa gave an explanation  on the law suit concerning the fire truck and car accident with Mr. Smith. Rufus Hoffman and Robert Andrews made a motion to accept and pay the bill for repairs to the fire truck from the accident. The Fire Truck case had been settled before the Arbitration Board on October 22, 1958, who ruled in favor of the Fire Company. 
• October 20, 1958, meeting Rufus Hoffman and Henry Smith made a motion that the truck committee should purchase a heavy-duty international truck with 175 in wheelbase, Model R196 with a 501 engine and syncromesh transmission. Motion carried. 
• November 3, 1958, meeting the Building Committee reported that the footer was poured, and they 
• June 8, 1959, meeting a motion was made by Willard Longenbach and seconded by Henry Peters that August 3, 1959, meeting, trustee Robert Cressman reported that the Hausman property adjacent to the started to lay blocks for the band stand foundation in the grove. the Fire Company buy several lots from Mr. Bowman for S1,800.00. picnic grove was for sale at S175.00 per acre for 3 acres, Leroy Snyder and Bill Hinkle made a motion that the Fire Company agreed to pay $I75.00 per acre for the Hausan property, providing they would get a clear title and according to their specified boundary lines.
•  September 1, 1959, Robert Cressman reported the Hausman property was 4.32 acres, 
• October 12, 1959, the Building Committee reported that it was dug out and footers laid for the new fire house, which is to be 40' x 44, and that Strohl from Walnutport would lay the blocks shortly,. 
• December 28, 1959. two-way radio, also a walkie-talkie and a speaker. Total cost installed would be $900.00.for the Fire Company. Motion was carried. 
• January 4, 1960, meeting Fire Chief Grant Seip reported that the new fire truck was delivered  
• March 7, 1960, meeting, a motion was made by Henry Smith and seconded by Alton Feinour to buy a Bendix 
• July. 11, 1960, Russell Olewine and Robert Andrews made a motion to purchase a new fifty-star flag April6, 1970 a motion was made by Richard Williams and seconded by Dale Rex to notify all members by mail to be present at the next meeting to decide on a new building. 
• May 4, 1970, the decision on a new building was tabled, due to poor attendance at the meeting. 
• On May 7, 1973, Dale Rex reported that the basketball court at the picnic woods would be blacktopped for $820.00 by R& S. of Treichlers. This would be paid by the Sinking Fund. 
• At the July 2, 1973, meeting a letter was received from William Hinkle stating that he wished to be released of all his duties as Fire Chief. The resignation was approved, and Walter Kern was assigned the position of Fire Chief for the remainder of the year. 
• On May 6, 1974, President Earl Sterner reported that he talked to George Dorward, who said the Emerald Fire Co. would receive the old Slatington Ambulance. 
• At the July 1, 1974, meeting William Hinkle suggested that the ambulance truck be equipped with first aid equipment and other rescue items. Since it no longer is used as an ambulance, it shall be called a squad truck from now on. 
• At the November 4, 1974, meeting Sections I and 3 of the By-Laws were changed to allow women to become Fire Co member. 
• Fire Company. Also, William Hinkle was re-elected Fire Chief. women who applied for membership in October. They were accepted by a vote of 14 to 3. 
• On December 9, 1974, a plaque was presented to Rufus Hoffman for 30 years of dedicated service to the 
• At the January 6, 1975, meeting there was a secret ballot vote on the membership of the first two 
• On February 3, 1975, it was decided at the Fire Chief's meeting to get Federal monitors for the alert system at an approximate cost of $150 per unit. 
• On March 3, 1975, it was reported that a 100-watt two-way radio with a new antenna and speaker was going to be purchased with money from the truck fund. 
• At the April 7, 1975 meeting the building committee reported that a contractor and architect were coming to make plans for the new building on April 8, 1975 and on April 11, 1975 a special meeting was called by the building committee where a motion was made to contact all paid-up members in our immediate area of their intentions of building and the amount of money it will take for the architect to draw up the plans. 
• At the May 5, 1975, meeting the secretary reported that he mailed 130 letters to Fire Co. members explaining the ideas for a new building and asked the members for their approval or rejection of the proposed ideas. Only 9 letters were returned, all in favor of the building. It was decided to table the matter one month to give the members more time to think about the proposal. 
• At the June 2, 1975, meeting the president, Michael Glasmire, reported that the county-wide alert system would go into service on June 2, 1975. The telephone alert system would no longer be in effect. It was reported at the August 4th meeting that the total cost for 7 monitors was $890.98. 
• On December 8, 1975, a motion was made by Henry Peters and seconded by Douglas Wanamaker to purchase a new5 HP siren from Darley Company. 
• At the October 4, 1976, meeting, Douglas Wanamaker reported that the siren had arrived, and Joe Szapacs said he had a pole that he would give to the Fire Co. to mount the siren on. It was installed by the December 6, 1976, meeting. 
• January 4, 1977, meeting Van Marlatt showed the members the new book-keeping system that would be used from then on. 
• On March 7, 1977, Douglas Wanamaker, president, read a letter from Lehigh Co, Election Board stating that the election would be held at the Washington Township Municipal Building instead of in the social room of the fire hall from then on. 
• On April 5, 1977, Paul Kuhn and Van Marlatt reported that they got a trailer body from Dale Handwerk to be used as a portable refreshment stand at the park. All he asked as payment was for the fire company to clean his chimney at his house. At this meeting it also was noted that the plans for the new social hall were at William Jones' architect for approval, and from there they would have to go to the state for approval. Also, at this meeting it was approved for the fire company to purchase a 14 watt bull horn. 
• May 2, 1977, William Jones was given the okay to go ahead with the building plans. 
•  May 1, 1978, Van Marlatt said that the Citizens Bank in Slatington and the Neffs Bank were the two banks that had been notified in reference to a mortgage. Paul Kuhn reported that the approved set of prints had been given to Clark Rex to be placed in the safe at the existing social hall. One set had been given to David Frantz for D.ER, and William Jones has one set A Special meeting was held on May 15, 1978 by the officers and membership for a final discussion on the construction of a new social hall. A motion was made by William Jones, seconded by Dale Rex, to go ahead with construction of the new social hall per the construction print approved by Pa. Dept. of Labor and Industry, and also to accept the 6 1/2% construction mortgage from the Citizens National Bank in Slatington, Pa. 
• April 2, 1979, Dale Rex reported that the fire company had purchased a tanker from Franklin Township. It was a 1958 Chevy with a 2,500 gallon tank. 
• April 16, 1979, a special meeting was called at which time Van Marlatt announced that Lary Greene's property next to the engine house was up for sale for $13,900.00. At that time, Paul Kuhn made a motion, seconded by Richard Williams, that the Fire Co. purchase their house trailer and property. 
• May 15, 1979, a special meeting was called in which Van Marlatt announced that an offer of 
• S4.900.00 had been made for the sale of the old social hall. It was voted on to accept the offer, and the building was sold to Fred Allerton. 
• August 6, 1979, meeting it was suggested that the Fire Co, sent a thank-you letter to Jack Jones
• December 3, 1979, Dale Rex was elected the new Fire Chief 
• January 7, 1980, it was decided to have the grand opening of the new fire company on March 8, 1980. bleachers from the football field to use at our park, but we'd have to remove them by Monday, June 18, 1979. the use of his crane and operator to remove the bell from the tower in the old social hall. 
• Also, at this meeting it was decided to form a committee of 3 men and 3 women to write up a contract of rules and regulations for renting the hall. The committee consisted of Ruthann Rex, Ruth Jonc, Linda Marlatt, Michael Glasmire, Paul Kuhn,and William Jones. 
• March 3, 1980 meeting Paul Kuhn made a report of the building fund that he closed out and turned receipts over to Van Marlatt for S135,000.00. 
• On March 8, 1980 the new fire hall was dedicated with David Bausch, Chief Executive of Lehigh Co., being the guest speaker during the ceremony. Charles Kistler, Register of Wills in Lehigh Co. also spoke. Miss Lorraine Frey sang 3 songs, and Rev. Richard Kuntz, pastor of St. Peter's United Methodist Church in Emerald, gave the invocation and prayer and benediction. The following 3 men were given a plaque for their dedicated service to the Fire Co. They were William Hinkle, retired Fire Chief;, Robert Cressman, past President, and Earl Sterner, Captain of the Fire police and 35 years a member. 
• The Ladies Auxiliary presented a check for $2,000.00 to the Fire Co., and the Emerald Playground Association gave $250.00 toward the building fund. 
• The Slatington American Legion presented the Fire Co. with a flag. 
• Washington Township Supervisors ho were present were. Paul Lauchnor, Albert Semmel and William Jones. It was mentioned that many people contributed time and energy and materials in order for the fire company building to become a reality. They were too numerous to mention, but among those mentioned were Richard Williams, who supervised the work without compensation, and who did a lot of the carpenter work; William Jones, who excavated for the building; Paul Kuhn and Paul Wanamaker, plumbers; Joseph Szapacs, electrician; Robert Cressman, who did the painting; and the rest of the fire company members who helped complete the building, which is a cement block structure measuring 100-by-120 ft., with a large dining-dancing room, coat room, a $33,000.00 kitchen fully-equipped, and restrooms. Life memberships were granted to James Marlatt, Jesse Hoffmann, Wayne Hoffman, Alton Neff, and Herbert DeLong for dedicated service. The following were the Fire Co. Officers: 
  • President- Tery Hahn 
  • Vice-Pres. - Douglas Wanamaker 
  • Recording Secretary - Robert Andrews 
  • Trustees: Paul Wanamaker, Joseph Szapacs, and Durrell Remaley 
  • Treasurer-Van Marlatt 
  • Financial Secretary-Clark Rex 
  • Fire Chief- Dale Rex 
• On August 4, 1980, it was decided to pay $330.00 as our fire company's share towards the $1,000.00 purchase of a cascade system. The other two companies, each paying an equal $330.00, are Slatedale and Friedens. The system would be set up at Friedens but would be the property of Washington Township. 
• On September 22, 1980, a special meeting was called at which time it was decided to build an 8' by 21' inside addition on the present building, which would cost $3,524.00 by K, &K Contractors. This addition would be the space between the engine house and the new fire hall. 
• At the May 4, 1981, meeting it was decided to build a fire practice tower on the lower lot. 
• At the October 5, 1981, meeting it was decided to purchase shrubs to be planted around the new fire hall. 
• On May 3, 1982, Clark Rex and Dale Rex stated that they would contact the trustees to have a fire alarm system installed in the engine house and the social hall. This was installed by the June 7, 1982, meeting. Also at this meeting, Joe Szapacs announced that bingo would be held at our hall on May 23, 1982, under the leadership of Shirley Kem, Marjorie Edelman and Joanne Snyder. 
• On June 6, 1983 it was reported that a new aluminum ladder was purchased for $634.80. 
• On January 9, 1984, Van Marlatt requested that the Fire Chief formulate a specification for a new piece of fire equipment, to have ready when the building would be paid off. Ronald Szapacs volunteered to help establish specifications for a new fire truck. 
• On August 6, 1984, Van Marlatt and. Clark Rex proposed a daily number drawing. The ticket would cost S5.00 and would run monthly. The proceeds from this would go towards the purchase of a fire truck This proposal was in agreement with the members. 
• On August 5, 1985, Dale Rex reported that the new fire truck specifications were submitted for bids to 14 companies. Also on this date, Van Marlatt reported that only $1,654.00 was still owed on the social hall. He recommended that the debt be paid off, which was agreed on by the membership. 
• On March 22, 1986, the annual Fire Company banquet was at Citizens Fire Co. in Slatedale, at which time a ceremony for the burning of the mortgage was held. 
• At the June 2, 1986, meeting Ron Szapacs reported on an update quote from Emergency One for a fire truck with crew cab was S101,700.00, 
• On July 7, 1986, a discussion to purchase a new fire truck was initiated by fire chief Dale Rex. 
• The membership approved a limit of $105,000.00 for the purchase of a new truck. 
• At the August 4, 1986, meeting Ron Szapacs answered most questions about the proposed new fire truck, after which the membership then agreed to purchase the truck from Emergency One at a cost of approximately $10,000.00. Ron Szapacs stated that Emergency One would teach four men on how to operate the new equipment. He also said the new truck would be shipped F.0.B. Emerald. 
• At the September 1986 meeting Dale Rex stated that Joe Szapacs agreed to accompany him to Florida to pick up the new fire truck. Delivery of the truck should be around October 9, 1986. Dale Rex reported that equipment for the new truck would cost approximately $12000.00. 
• On November 3, 1986, Dale Rex stated that the new fire truck was put in service and the squad truck removed from active service. He also stated that the radio from the squad truck was installed in his pickup truck. He also mentioned that he would look at a used tanker truck. Under old business, it was agreed that the squad truck would be sold by sealed bids to be opened at the December meeting, Transferred $9,100.00 worth of equipment from the squad truck. new fire truck had been approved. from the State Officials at the courthouse. 
• At the December 8, 1986, meeting the highest bidder on the squad truck was S1,400.00. 
• On January 5, 1987, Dale Rex reported that new equipment for the fire truck cost $12,447.00. 
• At the February 2, 1987, meeting it was noted that the $50,000.00 1ow interest loan from the State for the 
• At the March 2, 1987, meeting Van Marlatt and Frank Moser volunteered to accept the low interest loan. 
• At the April 6, 1987, meeting it was reported that Lonny Dieter had donated a riding lawn mower to the 
• Playground Association. Also, at this meeting Dale Rex proposed that the fire company look at a used tanker truck valued at $30,000.00. However, at the May 4, 1987, meeting, Ron Szapacs reported on the condition of the proposed tanker truck. It had cracked cross members and also oil in the radiator. The members decided the truck wasn't worth the asking price and alternate trucks should be investigated. 
• On February 1, 1988, Joe Szapacs said that Dick Myers would donate a plaque to the Fire Company to honor past members who were honored. 
• On January 9, 1989, Dale Rex stated that the five local fire companies, Slatington, Walnutport, Friedens. 
• Slatedale and Emerald, have banded together to form the Northern Lehigh Emergency Service Association. The purpose of the association is to train firefighters, and one of the first goals is to erect a burn building. 
• At the April 3, 1989, meeting it was stated that Charlie Eaches had donated an honor board to honor past. 
• At the October 1989 meeting a motion was made and approved to allocate $1,000.00 to the 
• At the February 1990 special meeting, 26 members were present from both the fire company and ladies' members. Mack's Jewelry Store did the engraving. Playground Association for the purpose of buying fencing for the new tennis court. auxiliary to decide whether to proceed with the new building construction. It was decided to go ahead with it and go with the lowest bidder, who was Lee Henninger of Henninger Construction for $80,146.00. 
• At the March 5, 1990 meeting Dale Rex, Joe Szapacs and Roy Dengler stated that they inspected an International 1980 truck with a 3,400-gallon aluminum tank as a possible replacement for the old tanker. Joe Szapacs said that Lisa Oil Company wanted S27,000.00 for the truck. Also at this meeting it was voted on by the membership to allow the Election Board to hold elections at the Fire Company, for which the Fire Company would be paid S100. 
• On April2, 1990 Dick Williams stated that the roofing subcontractor, Carlton Roofing, inspected the existing roof and found it in very poor condition. Carlton quoted a price of $9,400.00 to refinish the roof. The membership voted to accept his quote, and they also decided to have four air conditions curbs installed on the roof and not to have the stone placed on the roof. 
• On November 6, 1990, treasurer Van Marlatt stated that the fire company's loan with Citizens. 
• Also at this meeting, Jim Williams requested that the annual dues be upped from $3.00 to $5.00. 
• At the December 3, 1990, meeting Roy Dengler reported that Bill Jones would be willing to Bank for the new building addition would require a $829.76 monthly payment. They would need help from the Ladies Auxiliary and the Bingo Committee to meet this commitment. The membership agreed to this, starting with 1991. sell the adjoining land to the fire company. He would like to sell the entire 5 + acres for S80,000.00. 
• At their March 1991 meeting it was voted on and approved to purchase this land, and a committee consisting of Dick Williams, Jim Williams and Roy Dengler would contact Bill Jones to finalize the deal. It also was reported at this meeting that approximately S179,000.00 was spent on the new building. to build a training center, which will be located in Slatedale. water use from the Water Authority starting in January, 1992. company. Further details would be forthcoming. Management to use the fire hall as a disaster center in case of an emergency. The membership agreed to 
• On May 6, 1991 Dale Rex stated that the 5 area fire companies received $8,000,00 from the Rotary. 
• On October 7, 1991, trustee Roy Dengler pointed out that the fire company will have to pay for At this meeting also, Dick Williams said that a groundhog lodge could be started at the fire 
• At the September 14, 1992 meeting Dale Rex said he received a request from the Pa. Emergency this use. 
• On October 5, 1992 Van Marlatt reported that the Ladies Auxiliary gave S15,000.00 to the fire company, which he put on the principal of the building loan, on which $38,129.47 is still owed. 
• On February 1, 1993 John Wirth proposed minimum qualifications for the position of Fire Chief. 
• Chief Dale Rex is to be grandfathered in reference to these qualifications for as long as he These qualifications are as follows. 
  • has consecutive tems as chief. 
  • There is no time limit or maximum terns as chief for Dale Rex. 
  • 75% attendance of training over the last three years. 
  • Over 21 years of age. 
  • Certified hazmat incident commander. 
  • Certified professional firefighter level two. 
  • Valid Pa. Drivers License. 
  • A demonstrated proficiency with the fire apparatus and equipment. 
  • Obtained a certificate in fire and arson detection. 
  • Obtained a certificate in pump practices. 
  • Proof of compliance shall be provided within one week of the nomination to the club president and the fire chief. the by-laws (Constitution). 
• Slatedale Ambulance Corp. The pagers must be modified to high ban for the pager to be used in fire pro- 
• The requirements were approved by the membership and will become an amendment to 
• On December 6, 1993, Dale Rex stated that the fire company has received nine pagers from the election. 
• On October 2, 1995, Dick Williams reported that the outside deck off the kitchen area was completed. This was one of the projects the Ladies Auxiliary wanted to have done and that they would pay for. 
• On March 4. 1996 the membership authorized Van Marlatt to purchase a 7 HP snowblower from Hoffmann's. At the April 1, 1996 meeting Van told the membership that he ordered the snowblower. 
• It was noted at the August 5, 1996, meeting that Joe Szapacs delivered the new smoke caters for the banquet hall. 
• On October 7, 1996, Roy Dengler reported that the flagpole foundation had been installed; however, at the November 4, 1996, meeting it was noted that the flagpole must still be installed. 
• At the February 3, 1997, meeting Preston Williams said he has the new sign for the picnic grove that posts the rules and regulations. He also requested to allow the Playground Association to erect dugouts on the Litle League field. This request was passed by a vote of the membership. (The rules sign was installed by the June 2, 1997, meeting.) next two years, along with this, the engine house would be required to be higher. Said they would be obtaining prices on a new fire truck and building. membership approved the lowest bid, which was from a company called Stoltzfus Construction Company, motion was made and seconded and agreed by a unanimous vote to sell the lot for $28, 500.00. 
• On March 3, 1997, Dale Rex reported that the pumper would have to be replaced within the 
• On April 7, 1997, Joe Szapacs reported that the smoke caters had been installed. Also, Dale Rex 
• On May 5, 1997, Dale Rex stated that he had received two bids to erect a new truck building. The 
• On July 7. 1997 a short discussion was held about the sale of the lot below the fire company.  
• On August 4, 1997, Roy Dengler reported that the flagpole had been erected, and Lary Reitz 
• On May 4, 1998, Dale Rex reported that five members of the company visited KME. to look at 
• On August 3, 1998, treasurer Van Marlatt reported that approval of the membership would be would ask the Slatington American Legion to donate a flag. the quality of their work. The new specs for the truck have upped K.M.E. bid to $251,000.00. needed to borrow $100,000.00 at 2o interest from the State to purchase the new fire truck. Approval was given by the membership. 
• On December 7, 1998, Van Marlatt reported that the loan of$110,000.00 from the State was approved. Also, at this meeting it was noted that the guest tickets for the ten-week drawings will be $10.00 instead of $5.00 like in the past. 
• At the January 4, 1999, meeting Dale Rex expressed the firefighters' plans for the old engine bouse. 
• On March 1, 1999, Dale Rex stated that the fire company would receive the loan for the new truck at 
• On April 5, 1999, Dale Rex reported that they accepted delivery of the new fire truck on April 3. They are to remove the rear truck door and install a bathroom. 10:30 am., Friday, March 5, 199. 1999. He also stated that the radio would be removed from the old truck. 
• At the August 2, 1999, meeting it was noted that the Basket Bingo Party, run by Jeanine George on 
• July 25, 1999, netted a profit of $4,225.00. The Township will match 50%, up to a total of $3,000.00. for new fund raiser. Thus the fire company should receive an additional $2,100.00 for the Basket Bingo Party. Also at this' meeting it was stated that the old fire truck was sold to Ed Ziegler for $1250.00. 
• At the April 3.2000 meeting Dale Rex stated that there was a prospective buyer for the tanker truck 
• Knoebel's Amusement Park in Elysburg, Pa. purchased it for $10,000.00. 
• On September 10, 2001, Dale Rex stated that the sewage line to the fire company was installed and functioning. 
• On February 4, 2002, Roy Dengler stated that a water meter was installed and that we are now on city water. 
• On April 1, 2002, Dale & Judy Rex completed a history of the Fire Company, copies were distributed. 
• On May 6, 2002, eight new names were added to the Honor Roll Board. Russell Olewine, Mathias Nutt" Green, TerTy Hahn Jr., Paul Wanamaker, Lamark Maxie" Wanamaker, James Marlatt, Harold Roth, & John Reppert. The Playground Associations was granted permission to erect dugout and a electric scoreboard on the ball field. 
• On May 5, 2003, the Ladies Auxiliary agreed to pay for the construction of the grove's outside toilets. A plaque was ordered for the outside of the construction honoring the Ladies Auxiliary for donation. 
• On November 3, 2003, the Treasurer suggested the paying in full the new truck loan approved by the membership. The Fire Company is named in the estate of Mrs. Saloma Scheffler for $10,000, 
• On December 8, 2003, Keith Kibler reported the Company was awarded a $27,932.00 Federal Grant. 
• On July 5, 2004 the company was approved for a $8,514 grant to cover new roof on engine house and for a new portable water tank. 
• On November 1, 2004, per the Company's Lawyer the by-laws were amended in order to obtain IRS exemption. 
• On September 12, 2005, the sale of property on the Northeast side of the large ball field to Dale Deck Construction was not approved. A thermal imagine camera was purchased by the Firemen's Relief Association for a cost of $9,735.86, this is used to detect people in a fire. 
• On November 2, 2005 Van Marlatt reported the loans for Fire Truck and the new social hall addition was paid in full. 
• On January 2, 2006 Walter Kern reported that Bingo donated $25,000 and purchased smoke eater S6,000. On February 6, 2006 Joe Szapacs reported the Juke Box Crusiers and the Car Show was set for the Firework Picnic. Van Marlatt reported the company has received its IRS exemption. 
• On March 6. 2006, the playground association's plans for a dugout on the old ball field was approved. KME for $274,994. was the approval of a $75,000.00 donation to the Fire Company towards a New Fire Truck. was completed. To comply will this form the Ladies Auxiliary should be incorporated into the 
• On May 1, 2006 a motion was made and approved to purchase a new Fire Truck from 
• On June 19, 2006 at the Ladies Auxiliary reorganization meeting the first order of business 
• On August 7, 2006 Van Marlatt stated that the application for tax exempt status (form 990) Fire Company. The company received a grant of $9,757.00 toward the new truck. 
• On November 6, 2006 the first reading of the by-laws amendment was made to include the Ladies Auxiliary as part of the General Organization. The members of the Ladies Auxiliary must become members of the Fire Company and they will retain their own treasury. 
• On June 4.2007 the fire company received a grant in amount of $4,000 for the purchase of four wheeler. The new 2007 KME 4x4 Pumper was received. The purchase price was $271.372. The following funds were utilized for the purchase S100,000 Washington Township Capital Contribution, redeemed C/D S150,000, Bingo fund S25,000. 
• On January 7, 2008 the fire company received state grant in amount of S19,309 for the purchase of Scott air packs. 
• On February 4, 2008 the membership approved the erection of a slate bench donated by the Richard "Dick" Williams family in his memory. 
• On December 7, 2008 the following were elected as officers: 
  • President- Wade Marlatt 
  • Vice President- Josh Friebolin 
  • Secretary - Rodney Cressman 
  • Trustees - Ray Christman, Walter Kerm, Joe Szapacs
  • Treasurer-Van Marlatt 
  • Financial SecretaryLinde Roth
  • Fire Chief- Robert Schmoyer
• The Ladies Auxiliary elected the following officers for 2009: 
  • President- Linda Marlatt 
  • Vice President- Grace Lewis
  • Trustees-Carol Lewis, Ruth Ann Rex, and Jane Labold 
  • Secretary- Gloria Roth 
  • Treasurer- Linda Olewine 
• The Ladies Auxiliary accomplishments since their reorganization are as follows: 
  • Replaced all tables and chairs in the hall. 
  • Updated kitchen with air conditioning,
  •  new ice machine, and steam bar 
  • Remodel staff rest room, back storage room and deck 
  • Strip the floors and house clean entire upstairs 
  • Co-sponsoring with the men the Children's Xmas Party 
  • Sponsoring the children Halloween parade with refreshments 
• On March 2, 2009 Wade Marlatt stated the first Star Hose Co Golf Tournament would be held May 9 at the Olde Homestead golf course, the proceeds will be used to increase the amount. of fireworks at the July picnic. 
• On May 4, 2009 the Boy Scout Council of Pennsylvania asking us to sponsor a local Boy Scout Troup. The membership approved this request by a unanimous vote. 
• On July 6, 2009 it was decided to hold a pig roast on September 26, 2009 to celebrate the company'