West Trenton Vol. Fire Co.

It was 1947, when the West Trenton Volunteer Fire Company was established with 13 members at 13 Wilburtha Road, the home of Paul Koenig, who became its first president. The first engine, "Old Bessie" was a 1924 750 gallon pumper purchased from the Union Fire Company of Morrisville. The day it arrived, some of the members were looking it over at a service station when a fire broke out on the end of the station. The men grabbed fire extinguishers and put it out. In August 1955, a flood terrorized people along the Delaware River and New Jersey was placed in a state of emergency. The firefighters under the direction of long-time chief Paul Rossi, played an important role in evacuating residents of the area, particularly those in the nursing home on River Road. Men walked in water above their waists to push the boats to safety. In 1964, another crisis. The fire company wanted to expand by seeking additional land, but the Mercer County Freeholders advised the company that the Mercer County Airport runways had to be kept clear. The old firehouse was sold to the county and a Relocation and Building Committee was formed. A grand opening May 8, 1971 began with a parade of 100 fire companies, civic organizations, and bands assembled at DeCou and Parkway Avenues. We have come a long way for that old garage on Grand Ave. with a chain drive engine, to the present station at 40 West Upper Ferry Road and the modern equipment housed within. Our members are dedicated to thier volunteer jobs, they are always willing to learn something new and to keep this operation as safe as possible for you the residents and to thier brother firefighters. The doors of our firehouse are always open, if you would like to visit, take a look around and just maybe you may elect to become a member of the company. We are always in need of new members to help with firefighting and fundraising events.