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A History of Vineland Fire Company 4

     The spark of growth continued to flare throughout the township and on March 23, 1923 twenty-five dedicated citizens met at the Oak and Main school house to officially form the Main Avenue Fire Company, District 4 of the Township of Landis. During that meeting, William Witte was elected to serve as the company's first President along with C.J. Kimmeth and Dominick Ronchetti, Vice Presidents; Michael Schulz, Secretary and Albert Waldman, Treasurer, Paul Smith was elected Fire Chief.
     During the first year of organization, the company purchased land as a cost of $2500 for the construction of a fire hall. The new fire station was completed in January 1924, funded by donations from each member, various social events and private donations, and the company purchased the "Old Brockway" from Reliance Fire Company.
     The company's strength grew to 36 members and it became the focal point for many social and community activities. The thirties also saw the creation of a Board of Fire Commissioners who administered public funds for the first time from the Township of Landis to operate Fire District #4.
     The company continued to grow during the early part of the 1940's with major alterations to the existing fire hall to make room available for a new fire engine. The new Peter Pirsch engine arrived in 1941 and was the last civilian truck built by Peter Pirsch. Subsequent apparatus went to the armed forces.
     At a time when many of the members were entering the Armed Forces at the outset of World War II, the Ladies Auxilliary was expanded and played a major role in the activities of Company #4.

Company 1 • East & Wood Street • Vineland, NJ 08360
856-205-7366 • 856-205-7367 Fax

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