In 1921, the communities of Lampeter, Refton, New Danville, and West Willow founded the Big Four Fire Company with the intent of raising funds to purchase four identical Ford model HT chemical trucks. Organized by temporary chairman Benjerman Herr, a meeting was held at Lampeter-Strasburg High School to launch the effort. Over the next several months, funds were raised through donations and pledges, with the proceeds going toward purchasing the brand-new fire equipment. The new apparatuses arrived in Lancaster on April 1, 1921, and were officially given to the Big Four on April 7. As time progressed, the individual fire companies continued to grow, so it was decided on February 27, 1929, that the Big Four be disbanded and each fire company become its own entity.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Big Four Fire Company, the four fire companies will host a community day on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lampeter Fire Company, 851 Village Road, Lampeter.
"We would love for the community to join us in learning about fire prevention and the fire community," said Adam Ebersole, volunteer firefighter at Lampeter Fire Company. "(It's important to) meet your surrounding first responders."
There will be a fire prevention display, children's activities, food trucks, an antique fire apparatus display, and more.
For more information, search for "Big Four Fire Company Community Day" on Facebook or email engine542@gmail.com.
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