History

The Moon Township Volunteer Fire Company has a rich and storied history that dates back to January 25, 1934, when thirteen men from the Bon Meade area convened at Fuller's Community Service Station, near what is today Patrick's Pub, to discuss establishing a volunteer fire department. This initial gathering was driven by the need to serve the approximately 1,500 people living in Moon Township at the time. The group decided to name their organization the "Bon Meade Volunteer Fire Department."

Among the founding members were James Gardner, Sr., Paul Gentile, William Kroehs, Gilbert Hughes, Carl Morris, Walter Davidson, G.E. McKinley, C.E. Olson, Albert Konter, Sterner Olson, and H.C. Leonhardt. Shortly after, in February 1934, Sidney Yengst, Paul Frye, and Frank Miller joined the ranks. Sidney Yengst, notably, was elected as the fire company's first Fire Chief in March 1934.

The company underwent a significant change on September 30, 1934, when its name was changed to "Moon Township Volunteer Fire Company" to fulfill charter requirements. The Charter was officially filed on October 2, 1934, and granted by the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County in January 1935. This period also saw the drafting of the original Constitution and By-Laws, which were introduced to the membership at the meeting on January 4, 1935.

A pivotal moment occurred on January 24, 1935, when a public meeting was held in the high school auditorium to highlight Moon Township's dire need for firefighting equipment. This led to the acquisition of a fire truck body for $25.00, as recorded in the June 7, 1935 minutes, with additional parts purchased for a total of $30.00 from Bennett Brothers in July 1935.

The fire company set its organizational structure in July 1935, establishing Executive and Operating Officers, alongside several committees to ensure smooth operations. The early days were humble, to say the least. Meetings took place wherever space allowed, from Keim's Garage in Bon Meade to Carnot High School, and eventually to the original municipal building at Carnot. 

As the years progressed, the Moon Township Volunteer Fire Company continued to evolve, reflecting the growing needs of the community it served. The period from the late 1930s through the 1950s was characterized by significant growth in both infrastructure and capabilities. The resolution passed in the Moon Township Board of Supervisors meeting in September 1939 laid the groundwork for the acquisition of essential fire-fighting apparatus and equipment, marking a pivotal moment in the company's development.  The resolution read: "Shall the Supervisors of the Township of Moon purchase and maintain fire apparatus for said township and provide a suitable place for the housing of the same."

The purchase of the Brockway fire truck in 1939 was a major milestone. This acquisition was followed by further enhancements to the fire company's operational capacity, including the introduction of fire hats, coats, and boots in 1939, which provided the volunteer firefighters with much-needed protection.

The establishment of the Moon Township Relief Association in July 1939 and the formation of the Ladies Auxiliary in September 1946 were critical developments. These organizations played crucial roles in supporting the fire company. The Ladies Auxiliary, in particular, became an indispensable part of the fire company, assisting with various activities and events that helped raise funds necessary for the fire company's operations.

The post-war years saw the fire company expanding its reach and capabilities. The famous Fish Fry, initiated in the 1950s, became a hallmark event, drawing the community together and providing a steady stream of revenue that supported the fire company's activities. This period also saw the construction of additional stations and the acquisition of more advanced firefighting equipment. Between 1939 and 1956, the fire company built several tankers and brush trucks from second-hand equipment, demonstrating resourcefulness and ingenuity in enhancing their firefighting capacity.

A significant advancement came in 1956 with the delivery of an FWD pumper equipped with a 750 GPM pump and capable of carrying 500 gallons of water. This was the first commercially built unit purchased by the fire company since the Brockway truck, marking a significant leap forward in terms of operational efficiency and effectiveness. The fire company opened its second station in the same year, expanding its ability to respond faster to emergencies on the west side of the township. This was made possible through an agreement with the Bon Meade Civic Association to house a pumper in the garage space of their building located on Eastern Avenue.

The establishment of the third station in 1965, named the Downes Station in honor of George Downes, underscored the fire company's commitment to serving the developing east side of the township. George Downes, who played a pivotal role in the early days by answering calls for those reporting fires and sounding the siren for the volunteers at his home in the Carnot area, was commemorated for his contributions. The addition of two new Seagrave twin pumpers in 1966 enhanced the fire company's capacity to respond out of the newly opened Stations 2 & 3. 

The arrival of the "Snorkel" in 1974 was nothing short of a game-changer for the Moon Township Volunteer Fire Company, ushering in an era of heightened capability and prestige. As one of the first aerial trucks in the vicinity, its towering presence not only marked a significant step in the company's evolution but also served as a beacon of progress and modernization. This iconic truck was originally housed at the Downes Station until the Public Safety Building was built and was then relocated to the Carnot Station when it was rebuilt in 1991. Its unique features and the ability to reach up and over towering heights quickly made it a local legend, often called upon by neighboring fire companies for assistance in challenging situations. Over its remarkable 50-year service life, the Snorkel became more than just a truck; it became a beloved and iconic figure within the community, serving faithfully until its retirement in 2024.

In 1986, the fire company made an impactful addition to its fleet with the purchase of a new Rescue truck for the Carnot Station. This wasn't just any truck; it represented Moon Township's position as one of the pioneers in the area, boasting not only a heavy-duty rescue truck but also a crew of volunteers who were exceptionally trained in vehicle rescue. The expertise of the volunteer firefighters, coupled with the extrication equipment stored in the rescue truck quickly positioned Moon Township as the go-to rescue truck to call for all communities surrounding the Pittsburgh International Airport and an extensive stretch of the Ohio River Boulevard, from Leetsdale to Bellevue. The truck, designed as a "walk-in" style rescue, became a familiar sight at car crash scenes, with volunteer firefighters standing shoulder to shoulder in the back, ready to spring into action. This level of readiness and capability underscored the company's commitment to saving lives and being a trailblazer for vehicle rescue in the region.

Throughout the 1990's and early 2000's numerous additional pieces of equipment were purchased. This included a Brush truck, a 102' Aerial Tower housed at the Public Safety Building, and a new Heavy Rescue Truck at the Carnot Station.

In early 2009, The Fire Company received "Engine 2," which was placed at the Boggs Run Fire Station. This was the first brand-new piece of equipment housed in the Bon Meade section of town in 43 years.

In 2012 a new Pierce rescue pumper "Engine 3" was put in service at the Downes station. 

In 2016 a 75' quint "Truck 4" was put in service at the Public Safety Building replacing the 1991 55' pumper/aerial.

In 2019 a new Spartan pumper "Engine 1" was put in service at the Carnot Station. This thousand-gallon carrying engine is the newest of the fleet.