The Lafayette Fire Co. was organized on Oct. 1st 1943 by a group of citizens who felt that the western portion of East Lampeter Twp. needed fire protection. The name Lafayette was chosen in honor of French War General Lafayette whose troops drilled on grounds near this area. The first piece of firefighting equipment for Lafayette was a used 1937 Chevrolet pumper with a 300 GPM pump and 600 gallons of water. During 1944, a second chevrolet pumper was purchased, this one also a 1937 model, except this unit did not carry water, and was used as a hose wagon. These first 2 units were painted RED!! In 1949 the department purchased a new Chevrolet pumper chassis with plans to have a body built locally by High Welding, when the chassis arrived, to te member's dismay, it was painted ORANGE!! After thinking it over, the members decided that they liked the orange paint job, and that it would distinguish Lafayette's units from all others. This color of Chevrolet Omaha Orange is still the color of all Lafayette Units to this day. The next unit added to the roster was a 1951 Reo with body build by High Welding. This Reo was probably one of the most versatile units the department ever had. When delivered, the Reo had a 1200 gallon water tank and 500 GPM front mount pump. It served as an attack piece, even after the purchase of the 2 Ford/Hahns. The Reo later went on to become the first Foam Unit. During the 1960's, Lafayette purchased 2 similar pumpers. They were built by Hahn on Ford C model chassis. The 1965 pumper served as a pumper until 1990, when it was converted to a Foam Unit to replace the Reo. This unit is still in active service today. The 1969 pumper was replaced in 1990. The department also operates a 1978 Mack, which was totally refurbished in 1992 by Pennsylvania Fire Apparatus and continues to run "First Out" today. A 1986 Mack/LTI "Quint" which serves as the Truck Co, the 1990 Squad, and the 1991 Spartan/Saulsbury.
