HISTORY OF STATION 66

Brothers-in-law George P. Forte, John Turco, and Watson E. Wright spearheaded the movement to establish a fire company in Warwick Township in 1957, with their efforts being supported by the community. By early 1958, both informal and formal meetings took place at Turco’s barber shop. After much discussion, the decision was made to name the new volunteer fire company as Warwick Township Fire Company No. 1.

Forte was elected as the first president of the newly-established Warwick Township Fire Company No. 1 with Albert Jamison, Jr. serving as fire chief. Together, this leadership and the members collaborated to gather funds to officially establish the company and obtain a certificate of incorporation, overcoming the challenges presented by the status of the original Jamison Fire Company’s missing certificate.

By June of 1958, Warwick Township Fire Company No. 1 was granted its certificate of incorporation. Adam Vance’s Garage gave them a portion of their building free of charge to house a 1938 Buffalo Fire Truck that was donated by the Independent Fire Company of Jenkintown. Over time, additional equipment was acquired, and after extensive training obtained through the cooperation of the Warminster Fire Company, Warwick acquired professional expertise.

In November of 1958, the Auxiliary was established, with Joseph W. Michl being the first elected president. The efforts set forth by the Auxiliary and the funds raised by them greatly contributed to the success of the Warwick Township Fire Company No. 1. The late Herman and Jean Samuels signed an agreement of sale in December of 1959 to purchase a plot of land that would later be used for a 50’ x 100’ firehouse, and hundreds of spectators were present and cheered for the breaking of the ground in May of 1962.

Around three years afterwards, the construction of the firehouse was completed. In 1973, a 60’ x 100’ social hall was added to the firehouse, giving the company a gathering place for their community. In 2012, the original building was razed and ground was broken for a new 17,200 sq. foot, state-of-the-art firehouse. Warwick Township Fire Company No. 1 moved into this new building in February of 2013, with it later being dedicated in September of 2013.