Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we reach the midpoint of 2010, the Upper Leacock Fire Company begins its 100th year of serving the community. Originally chartered as the Mechanicsburg Fire Company in June, 1910 and the Leola Fire Company in July, 1910 we have been proudly serving the community for a full century. By the time of the formation of the Upper Leacock Fire Company in 1988, through the consolidation of these two Companies, these organizations had gone through many changes as the community and society in general changed.

The founders of our organization were primarily businessmen who saw the need to protect both their livelihoods and the community as a whole. Each organization purchased a hand-drawn chemical engine at a cost of $250 each. While that may seem a small price, a gallon of gas cost $0.07 at that time. As our country has evolved through improved technology the cost of our equipment has risen as well. Our most recent apparatus purchase in 2005 cost in excess of $450,000. That would be the equivalent of $22,500 in 1910. That's quite a bit of money when the average college graduate only earned $750 per year!

Throughout the years, the organizations that now are the Upper Leacock Fire Company have been on the forefront of firefighting technology. Our leaders formed the first “Hazmat” team in Lancaster County. Ultimately this innovation led to the formation of the county-wide team. Our forefathers also were innovative in the early used of two-way radios for communicating, using self contained breathing apparatus, large diameter hose deployment techniques, and the use of foam for fire suppression. All these innovations came to reality due to the foresight of members and continued community financial support.

As we enter our second century of providing fire and rescue services to our community, we remain a 100% volunteer organization. We depend on the community to support us financially so we can supply modern equipment and up-to-date training for our members. The amount of time our members invest in the organization with no personal compensation is considerable. While we realize the community appreciates our efforts in their time of need, no one knows when that need will arise. Therefore, ongoing, continued financial support from the community is critical to our survival. The days are long past when a fire company can possibly raise the funds necessary to remain viable through bar-b-ques, dinners, craft fairs, etc. The cost of equipment has far exceeded the ability to sell enough subs or dinners to pay for much of our equipment. Due to this situation, we have to annually request support from the community.

Please take a moment to ponder how critical our organization is to the community. Then, please click the Donate button below to give your tax-deductible donation. With the support of you and your neighbors, we can continue to provide the emergency services you expect when the need to dial 911 arises.

Thank you in advance for your support,

The Officers and Members of the Upper Leacock Fire Company