Although the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 was officially incorporated on July 11, 1969, the history of this company begain on Palm Sunday of April, 1969. On that evening several men met at Bill Sullivan's home to discuss the possibility of organizing a fire company in East Windsor Township. Present at that meeting were: Bill Sullivan, who became the first President, Don Schultz, who at the time was Mayor of East Winsdsor Township, Bob Abrams, who became the first Captain to the fire police and Ray Lewis, who later became second Captain of the fire police. Mayor Schultz had been urging the organization of a township fire company for some time, having recognized the need to provide fire protection to what was the fastest growing community in Mercer County. Police Chief Joe Michinsky had encouraged the formation of a fire company and offered his assistance to see it happen. After reviewing the facts, these individuals decided that it was time that a fire department be organized in East Windsor Township.

On may 5, 1969 a meeting was held at the East Windsor Township Police Headquarters for the purpose of discussing the organization of the fire company. Bill Sullivan and Bob Mattern, both of whom were experienced firefighters in other communities, were introduced to twenty prospective mbembers present at this meeting and were appointed temporary Co-Chairpersones of the organization.

On July 11, 1969, the 28 member fire company was officially incorporated as the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. At its meeting of July 24, 1969, the first line officers were elected. The line officers were: Chier Robert Mattern, Ast. Chief James Terry, Asst. Chierf Wiliam Nichols, Captain William Dillon, and Lietuenants Frank Bowker and Kal Prost. The administrative officers were: President William Sullivan, Vice-President Otto Rosenberger, Secretary Richard Raub and Treasurer Joseph Serinese. Honorary member, the late Capt. John T. Dempster performed the swearing cerimonies.

The new fire company received its first two pieces of apparatus from the Washington Volunteer Firemen. One of the engines was donated from WVF and the other was purchased. A third engine was aquired from Prospect Heights Fire Company in September of 1969, a 1957 Ford Bruco Single-Stage 750 gpm pumper. In November of 1969, our Ladies Auxiliary purchased a 1946 Mack Pumper from the West Windsor Township, Princeton Junction Fire Company. The cost of this pumper was $101.26; highest bid made back in November of 1969, as compared to today's cost of an apparatus at $410,000+. The aquisitions of the 3 apparatus in addition to a 1955 Ford Utility Vehicle gave the company an arsenal noteworthy in its time of superior fire attack.

From July-September 1969 arrangements were made to house the equipment at the Old York Car Wash on Route 130. After the purchase of the third engine, the company moved from the temporary location to a more permanent site at an over-sized garage next to the Shady Rest Trailer Park on Route 130. With thanks to the assistance of owner Phil LoBianco, the company remainded there until September of 1972.

The first call for the fire company was a fire at the Windsor Castle Apartments on December 31st, 1969. In the early stages of the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No 1, assistance was provided by the Hightstown Fire Company. By April 1970, the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No 1, now 50 members strong went "solo". An agreement was made to have the Hightstown Fire Company cover all areas east of Route 130, while the first established district for EWVFC#1 would cover all areas West of Route 130.

1972 was another milestone for East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #1. In that year, the EWVFC#1 moved to its present headquarters on One Mile Road. The Company also received two major pieces of apparatus, a 1972 Ward La France 1000 gpm engine and a 1972 - 75 foot Ward La France Arial Ladder Truck, as well as a tractor-drawn 7000 gallon 1967 Mack Tanker. During this time, members were recruited from the east side of the township for membership in a new fire district. The new "eastern" members allowed the EWVFC#1 to form a substation on Twin Rivers Drive. On January 11, 1973 the Company took over sole coverage of East Windsor with the addition of its substation on the eastern half of the township. With the combination of the two Fire Houses, the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #1 now provide fire protection for the entire township

The fire company continued to operate out of the two stations until December 1977, when the township council passed an ordinance recognizing the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No 2.

In the summer of 1977, the members of the company foresaw the need for increased special fundraising opportunities and constructed an addition to the building. This lounge area, "The Woods" is still one of our main money-making areas in the form of room rentals. It also doubles as a reception area for members, family, and friend to meet when the calls allow.

Though 1977 was a year of turmoil for the company, it was a year when one of our members was cited for an act of heroism. In February, 1977, Assistant Chief Otto Rosenberger was the first member of the company on the scene of a fire in the Princeton Arms Apartment Complex. He notified responding units that there were people trapped in the apartment and without the protection of a hoseline, entered the burning unit, located the two residents and began moving them out of the apartment. Assistant Chief Rosenberger was recognized by the fire company, the Mercer County Fire Chiefs Association and the NJ State Fire Chief Association for his actions at that fire.

The connection and ties to the township grew throughout the mid 1970's. One of our most treasured and prized traditions was that of a "mild-mannered" firefighter by the name of Art Monsen; who has an inside connection with SANTA CLAUS. Every year from 1971-1993 the company would canvas the township spreading good cheer to all the junior citizens and the young at heart. This tradition still continues as we believe our children are our future and must be remembered in the present. Some of those little children that Santa came to visit back then are now active members of the Company today!

During the 1980's the fire company continued in the tradition of public service to the community. The early leaders of the company, especially Bill Sullivan and Bob Abrams, emphasized the importance of educating our youngsters in fire prevention. Public fire education programs were regularly presented at the township schools and at the firehouse. The firefighters looked forward to these presentations, because they really enjoyed making the kids smile and teaching them how to be safe.

 

A large portion of the coverage area was without hydrants and due to unforeseen mechanical problems to the '67 Mack, an acquisition of our 1981 3000 gallon Autocar Tanker was made. With its stainless steel tank, the vehicle served not only in direct firefighting operations, but also in a capacity of providing "drinking" water to different areas of the state. The City of Trenton was the first to utilize this feature when water was shut down for a major part of the town. Our Tanker 42, originally named Tanker 426, also went to Jersey City to shuttle water from Bayonne to the Jersey City Medical Center when Jersey City was without water.

The company also battled its share of major fires in the 80's. The first major 1980 fire was at the Agway Egg Plant on Mercer Street in April. There were others but one of the memorable fires occurred in February 1983. On the evening of February 1, the company was dispatched to a reported smell of gas at the Wa-Wa store on Hickory Corner Road. Engine 425 was on Maple Stream Road when the supports on the gas tank failed causing the tank to be dragged on the ground and resulting in a fire destroying the engine. Devastated by this loss, the company was forced to take immediate action in replacing its 1st-out Pumper Truck.

With the purchase of our Emergency ONE Pumper in 1983, the company headed down a different unchartered path. Engine 42, originally named Engine 422, still running today, would be the workhorse, the pride and joy of the firefighters of East Windsor. This 1500 gpm Pumper Truck was purchased solely with Company 42 financing, thanks in large part to the donations received from our neighbors. The Engine was equipped to respond as the 1st due engine on any and every type of call. Today, Engine 42 still responds 1st out on Dumpster Fires, and serves as supply to Squrt 42. However, she is still more than equipped to roll out 1st on any assignment.

In the mid to late 1980's, with the construction of more and more apartments and townhouses, the then 75 foot reach our our 1972 Ward LaFrance Aerial was fast becoming insufficient. Plans were drawn and bids made to replace the ladder with one capable of performing roof fire operations as well as rescue. In 1988, our Simon LTI 110 foot aerial was purchased. Equipped in the same fashion as that of Engine 42, it has been and still today is one of our main fire attack vehicles.

In 1985, the Company, now 15 years old, recognized that the station and equipment was in need of upkeep. The roof in need of major repairs, bay floor walls were showing signs of cracking, storage space was disappearing rapidly, and major firematic support equipment was becoming outdated and in some cases, rendered useless. The Company then adopted and instated a Long Range Maintenance Plan for the property.

In 1986, the company received its first in-house computer. Long overdue, the time had come to begin automation of then menial hand-written reporting and manual record keeping.

The storage space problem was partially addressed in 1988 when then Chief John Brooks volunteered to provide his expertise in the construction of a storage room and upstairs office. Assisted by fellow members, the project was completed in approxiamately four weeks at only the cost of materials and permits. Several work details were held to repair and repaint the walls in the bay area as well as other areas of the building.

Due primarily to time and the elements, the firehouse developed a problem with leaking cielings. This need was addressed in 1989 when a new roof was put on the building. In 1991, the bay floor was treated and repainted for similar reasons.

A small members room was erected from the old storage area to provide the members a place to congregate during non-call, off-hours when the hall was in use for special functions. Additional storage space was acquired in 1990 in the form of a 14' X 28' shed. Grounds keeping and miscellaneous equipment were to be its main contents.

Also in 1990, the old 2,200 psi low-pressure cascade system was having frequent operational problems, and was also becoming outdated with the availability of 4.5 SCBA. (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus). The company acquired an Ingersoll-Rand 4.5 SCBA high-pressure system. The high-pressure system now not only allows us to be self-reliant, but also enables us to supply neighboring companies and squads portable cascade units.

The year 1991 brought the need to further extend the Long Range Maintenance plan to the apparatus. Annual Preventive Maintenance schedules were put into place and Apparatus overhaul/referbishment reviews were put into effect. Engine 423, nineteen years old, would be the first send out for refurb. In 1993, Tanker 426, now known as Tanker 42, followed suite in becoming our second and most recognizable refurb. With the growing influence of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), refurbishments were becoming almost a necessity. Fortunately the Company had recognized this early and had it covered under our Long Range Plan.

April on 1992 brought one of the worst fires in quite some time. At approximately 10:40am on Route 130, an unfortunate accident at John's Auto Repair shop caused two thirds of the building to be gutted and all equipment and tools of the building's repair bay were destroyed. Thre vehicles under repair were also lost. The location of the fire was a non-hydrant area thus requiring mutual aid from Allentown, Groveville, Washington, and Cranbury for Tanker assistance. It was determined that the cause of the fire was a drop lamp, which fell into a puddle of gasoline. The bulb shattered and the fuel ignited. Then Chief Kevin Brink said when he arrived flames were already "through the roof". Even though the fire was under control just after 11am, materials in the garage area had taken their toll in the loss. Of the five employees on the scene, only the mechanic directly involved at the inception of the fire needed treatment for minor smoke inhalation. Some vehicles in the front showroom and those parked around the building sustained minor damage. Again, with the assistance of neighboring companies, Hightstown Engine Company #1 and East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #2, along with those mentioned earlier, we "defeated the beast" without any major injuries to our residents, fire fighters, and other responding personnel.

During the period of 1992-1993, surrounding situations brought to the company a realization that up until this time did not seem directly apparent to our normal operations. Increased truck traffic on our main thoroughfares, US 130 and Rt 33, was becoming a major concern for East Windsor and many other neighboring townships. Several fatalities in our area were directly related to this factor. Prior to these incidents, plans were already in place to obtain a rescue support vehicle ot assist our squad in extrication/ heavy rescue operations. In 1993, Tac 42, a 3-D, 250 gpm 4X4 Mini-pumper was purchased. Following in the tradition of our company, we again decided to equip this vehicle for multiple operations. It is now setup for extrication, brush and vehicle fire attacks.

The township was very instrumental in the upgrade and maintenance of our driveway and parking area. In 1994, the water drainage problem was finally resolved. A sloping pad and drainage pipe were tied into the existing drainage system. While not yet completely done, the water run-off problem has disappeared.

Other internal changes to the orginal edifice have aided in better operation and management of company business. These include: the movement of the radio/chief room; the construction of a new radio room, a storage area for tables & chairs, and the restructuring of heating and air-conditioning systems.

In 1994, the purchase of a support unit, Utility 42, and our new articulating Pierce SQURT necessitated an addition to the building. A committtee was formed and work began. The 60'X40' addition would be located at the rear of the existing bay area and would house the rescue/attack units. The in-house cascade unit and other storage space was also moved into this area.

In the late 1980's and early 1990's, the compnay underwent several changes in its financial status. In 1989, the final payment on Engine 42 was made. In 1991, the mortgage on the original building was addressed when charter member, Joe Genovese, extended the company a non-interest loan to meet the requirements of a "balloon" payment on the original mortgage. At the same time the property improvement plan was beginning. Three main expenditures included a roof loan, the cost of upgrading the bay area, and the need for a new Chief Vehicle. Throughout the history of the company, a "check and balance" or "plus & minus" posture has been maintained. Although the township now funds the company via line items for firematic maintanence and purchases for basic utilities, it has always been the members of EWVFC#1 who have, through special fundraising and our residential and fund drives, kept the building and other company owned properties ready for service. With the completion of every large or major project we are always looking at the Long Range Plan to ensure that we continually improve at serving our community.

On October 7, 1995, the 16th Annual Mercer County Fire Prevention Parade was hosted by the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Co. #1 Inc., to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Fire Company. At the celebration there was a Dedication of a new attack pumper truck with a memorial to Otto Rosenberger who passed during the contruction of the Pierce Squrt.

History Timeline

Palm Sunday,1969 -First President Bill Sullivan, E.W. Mayor Don Schultz, First Captain to the Fire Police Bob Abrams, and Second Captain to the Fire Police Ray Lewis meet at Bill Sullivan's house to discuss the possibility of organizing a Fire Company in East Windsor Township.

May 5, 1969 - At a meeting held at the EWTWP Police Headquarters, experiened frirefighters Bill Sullivan and Bob Mattern are introduced to twenty perspective members. At this meeting Sullivan and Mattern are appointed temporary Co-Chairpersons of the Organization.

July 11, 1969 - The 28 Member Fire Company is officially incorporated as the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #1.

July 24, 1969 - First Line and Administrative Officers elected. Honorary Member, the late Captain John T. Dempster, performs the swear in ceremonies.

July-September 1969 - Arrangements were made to house the equipment at the Old York Car Wash on Route 130. First 2 pieces of apparatus received from Washington Volunteer Firemen, one purchased, one donated. A third engine, a 1957 Ford Bruco single-stage 750 gpm Pumper aquired from Prospect Heights Fire Company.

September 1969 - September 1972 - The Fire Company houses all equipment at an over-sized garage next to the Shady Rest Trailer Park on Route 130, thanks to owner Phil LoBianco.

November 1969 - Ladies Auxiliary purchased a 1946 Mack Pumper from the West Windsor Township, Princeton Junction Fire Company for $101.26. 1955 Ford Utility Vehicle also aquired.

December 31, 1969 - First call for the company at the Windsor Castle Apartments.

April 1970 - East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company, 50 members strong, assumes sole coverage for all areas east of Route 130. Hightstown Volunteer Fire Company continues to cover all areas east of Route 130.

1972 - Three new pieces of equipment purchased. A 1972 Ward La France 1000 gpm engine, a 1972 - 75 foot Ward La France Ariel, and a 1967 Mack Tanker. East Windor Volunteer Fire Company #1 begins recruiting members for the formation of a substation on the east side of East Windsor.

January 11, 1973 - EWVFC#1 takes sole coverage of East Windsor Township with the formation of a substation on Twin Rivers Drive.

1974 - 1974 Mack 1250 gpm Pumper Truck aquired.

February 1977 - Assistant Chief Otto Rosenberger is first to arrive on the scene of a fire in the Priceton Arms Apartment Complex. After notifying responding units there were two people trapped in the appartment, Assistant Chief Rosenberger locates and begins moving out the two residents without the protection of a hose line. Assistant Chief Rosenberger was recognized by the fire company, Mercer County Fire Chiefs Association, and the NJ State Fire Chief Association for his actions at that fire.

Summer 1977- Lounge area, "The Woods", built as an addition to the Fire House to create additional fund raising opportunities.

December 1977 - East Windsor Township council passes an ordinance recognizing the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #2 as a seperate organization, providing coverage for the eastern portion of the township.

1981 - 3,000 gallon Autocar Tanker was purchased, replacing the '67 Mack Truck Tanker. The tanker, originally named Tanker 426, is now referred to as Tanker 42 and is still in operation today.

1983 - After a devastating loss to Engine 425, Engine 42, was purchased. The Engine is a 1500 gpm Pumper, originally named Engine 422. The engine is still in service today and is first due for Dumpster Fires and is used for supplying water to Squrt 42.

1986 - The company received its first in-house computer to begin automation of then menial hand-written reporting and manual record keeping.

1988 - Chief John Brooks volunteered to provide his expertise in the construction of a storage room and upstairs office to partailly address storage space issues. With the assistance of other Station 42 Members, the construction is completed in only four weeks.

1988 - Recognizing the increase in Townhouse construction in the area, our 1972 Ward LaFrance 72' Aerial was replaced by our Simon LTI 110' Aerial named Ladder 42.

1989 - New roof was put on the firehouse.

1990 - Addition of a 14' X 28' shed to store grounds keeping and miscellaneous equipment.

1990 - Upgraded cascade system from 2,200 psi to Ingersoll-Rand 4.5 SCBA.

1991 - The bay floor was treated and repainted because of cracks needing repair..

1991 - Engine 423, nineteen years old, sent out for refurbishing.

1993 - Tanker 42 sent out for refurbishing.

1993 - Tac 42, a 3-D 250gpm 4X4 Mini-pumper was purchased to assist in extrication, brush fires and vehicle fires.

1994 - Maintenance of driveway and parking area to resolve run-off problems.

1994 - Acquire support unit, Utility 42

February 1995 - Aquisition of Squrt 42, a 2,000gpm Pierce Squrt with Articulating Boom.

October 7, 1995 - 16th Annual Mercer County Fire Prevention Parade was hosted by the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Co. #1 Inc., to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Fire Company. At the celebration there was a Dedication of Squrt 42, with a memorial to Otto Rosenberger who passed during the contruction of the Pierce Squrt.