Citizens Hose Company No. 5 proudly serves the City of Lock Haven, Clinton County, Pennsylvania and surrounding communities with a strong commitment to protecting lives and property. As one of two combination fire departments operating within the City of Lock Haven, Citizens Hose Company No. 5 brings together dedicated career and volunteer personnel to provide dependable emergency services around the clock.
The company provides an all emergency service and responds to a wide variety of incidents, including structure fires, vehicle accidents, hazardous conditions, water rescues, technical rescues, medical emergencies, public-service calls, and mutual-aid emergencies throughout the region. Through continued training, modern equipment, and the dedication of its members, Citizens Hose Company No. 5 remains prepared to meet the changing needs of the community while carrying forward the traditions of the fire service.
Built on service, teamwork, and community, Citizens Hose Company No. 5 continues its mission of serving Lock Haven with professionalism and pride.
President: Frank L. Fox
Vice-President: Frank E. Ritter
Treasurer: I. A. Shaffer, Jr.
First Assistant Foreman: Frank E. Sehell
Second Assistant Foreman: H. B. Attway
Trustees: P. P. Griffin, C. T. Rothrock, F. B. Gibson
Janitor: C. A. Shaffer
Frank L. Fox — 1909–1910
S. Dare Lawrence — 1910–1913
Earl N. Harnish — 1913–1916
J. C. Kissel — 1916–1919
John W. McCollum — 1919–1922
R. L. Beck — 1922–1925
Archie H. Winters — 1925–1928
H. R. Callahan — 1928–1931
S. R. Brungard — 1931–1934
Hayes K. Swartz — 1934–1937
J. B. Smith — 1937–1940
Charles H. Strump — 1940–1941
J. B. Mader — 1941–1943
Charles H. Strump — 1946–1949
L. Pisano — 1949–1954
J. B. Mader — 1954–1958
Walter F. Powell — 1960–1966
Harold E. Sorgen — 1966–1968
Benjamin H. Beal, Jr. — 1968–1972
G. Freeman Goebert — 1972–1978
John W. Wert — 1978–1984
Jay R. Young — 1984–1990
Norman G. Wolfrom — 1990–2022
Frank L. Fox — 1909–1910
Frank E. Ritter — 1910–1914
H. F. Bottorf — 1915
Frank E. Ritter — 1916–1920
C. T. Rothrock — 1921–1924
Harry S. Bittner — 1925–1944
Walter F. Carter — 1945–1946
Earl N. Harnish — 1947
Samuel S. Walker — 1948
Donald K. Passell — 1949–1956
Lee R. Quigg — 1957–1958
Harold E. Sorgen — 1959
J. B. Mader — 1962–1964
E. D. Myers — 1965–1968
D. K. Passell — 1969–1971
Vincent H. Shay, Jr. — 1972
D. K. Passell — 1973
Gene R. Mader — 1974–1977
Benjamin H. Beal — 1977–1978
Harry D. Locke — 1978–1980
Gene R. Mader — 1980–1986
Stephen L. Stevenson — 1986–1996
Robert H. Nevins — 1996–1998
Joseph L. Sanders, III — 1998–2006
Gary D. Mellott — 2006–2008
Julie L. Sanders — 2008–2014
Robert H. Nevins — 2015 (partial term)
1857 — Early Fire Protection
Lock Haven's first organized fire company was known as the Good Will, established in 1857. Its first firefighting equipment consisted of a hand-pumping engine housed in a building near the intersection of Grove Street, Main Street, and Water Street.
1857–1883 — Reorganization and Expansion
When the Civil War broke out, the Good Will became disorganized.
In response, the then borough (prior to Lock Haven being reincorporated as a City in 1870) officals took charge and additional fire companies were established, including the West Branch Hose Company, Cataract Steam Fire Engine Company, the Empire Hose Company, and the Dauntless Hook and Ladder Company.
These organizations introduced more advanced equipment, including steam-powered fire engines.
1881 — Hope Hose Company No. 2
Dissension in the ranks and other troubles reuslted in the disbandment of all old fire companies and the formation of the Hope Hose Company No. 2, established in 1881.
1883 — Good Will Hose Company No. 3
In 1883, Good Will Hose Company No. 3 was organized.
1887 — Hand-in-Hand Hose Company No. 4
Hand-in-Hand Hose Company No. 4 was organized in 1887.
1909 — Good Will Hose Dissolution
On January 4, 1909, Mayor W. H. Stevenson presented a report to Lock Haven City Council addressing the operations and management of the city's fire department, including Good Will Hose Company No. 3.
The events surrounding this report and the dissolution of Good Will Hose Company No. 3, due to violation of a city ordinance, preceded the organization of Citizens Hose Company No. 5 on February 26, 1909, beginning a new chapter in Lock Haven's firefighting history.
1909 — Company Organized
Citizens Hose Company No. 5 was formed in February 1909 after citizens of
Lock Haven's Fourth Ward petitioned for the organization of a new fire company.
On March 1, 1909, Lock Haven City Council officially recognized the company
as part of the City Fire Department.
1909 — First Company Meeting
The company's first formal meeting after its admission into the Lock Haven
Fire Department was held on March 2, 1909, at the former station house of
Good Will Hose Company No. 3 on Bellefonte Avenue.
1909 — First Officers
The company's first officers included:
President Frank L. Fox,
Vice-President Frank E. Ritter
Recording Secretary John Devling,
Financial Secretary Earl Harnish
Treasurer I. A. Shaffer Jr.
Foreman Adam Dickey
1st Assistant Foreman Frank E. Shell
2nd Assistant Foreman H. B. Attway.
1909 — Early Equipment
Citizens inherited a horse-drawn hose reel along with approximately
1,000 to 1,500 feet of 2½-inch fire hose. The name "Citizens Hose Company"
was reportedly suggested by Clifford T. Rothrock.
1909 — Charter Membership
The first 50 members of Citizens Hose Company No. 5 were originally
designated as Charter Members. That number was later increased to 55.
1909 — First Fire Response
On March 9, Adam Dickey agreed to provide a team of horses to haul the
company's apparatus. The company's first recorded fire response occurred
at 6:15 a.m. on April 13, 1909, for the Bricker Liberty Stable fire.
Another historical account identifies an April 30 fire at the Franz
Shearer property as the company's first response.
1909 — First Uniforms & Fundraising
Citizens approved its first marching uniforms in May, consisting of white
shirts and trousers with dark stripes, hats, and neckties. An Ice Cream
Festival and Parade in July and a fair later that year helped raise money
for the young company.
1910 — Street Sprinkler Service
Citizens purchased an 800-gallon sprinkler wagon, sprinkler, harness,
and standpipe for $450. The City paid the company to sprinkle paved streets,
while additional revenue was earned by providing the same service on dirt streets.
1910 — Bob & Joe
Using revenue from the street sprinkling operation, Citizens purchased a
team of reddish-brown bay horses from W. H. Weaver of Mill Hall on
May 3, 1910, for $600. The horses were named Bob and Joe, and
Irvin J. Hazel was selected as the company's driver and teamster.
1911 — New Dress Uniforms
Citizens purchased a second complete set of dress uniforms consisting
of full-length blue coats, blue trousers, and matching caps embroidered
with "Citizens No. 5." The uniforms cost the company $805.
1911 — Driver Funding Begins
In December, the company announced that Lock Haven City Council would
provide an additional appropriation toward the salary of the driver or
teamster. A driver was required to remain available at the station day
and night, seven days a week.
1912 — Company Incorporated
Citizens Hose Company No. 5 was officially incorporated in 1912.
1913 — First Member Death
On January 2, 1913, 23-year-old Floyd R. Miller became the first member
of Citizens Hose Company No. 5 to pass away.
1913 — Prince & Charley
Bob and Joe were sold in March and replaced with a matched black team
of horses named Prince and Charley.
1913 — New Chemical & Hose Wagon
Citizens replaced its horse-drawn hose reel with a new combination
chemical and hose wagon purchased entirely with company funds.
Contemporary reports praised how quickly the apparatus could be hitched
and placed on the road.
1916–1918 — First New Fire House Attempt
After the New York Central Railroad purchased the old station property,
City Council appropriated $5,000 toward a new fire house at West Park
Street and Bellefonte Avenue. Construction began in 1917 but was plagued
by flooding, wartime restrictions, and increasing labor and material costs.
The project was ultimately abandoned.
1919 — 10th Anniversary
Citizens celebrated its tenth anniversary on February 25, 1919,
at Knights of Pythias Hall in the First National Bank Building on
North Vesper Street. Invitations were distributed to 159 members.
1920 — First Motorized Fire Apparatus
The company's combination chemical wagon and hose reel were mounted
on a Velie automobile chassis purchased from the New York and
Pennsylvania Paper Company. The horses and their running gear were sold,
marking the transition from horse-drawn to motorized fire apparatus.
1925 — Ahrens-Fox Pumper
After the Velie was determined to be inadequate and sold to Pleasant Gap
Fire Company, Citizens acquired a modern 1,000-gallon Ahrens-Fox triple
combination pumper. The apparatus was funded through public subscriptions,
company funds, and financial support from the City of Lock Haven.
1925–1928 — A Permanent Home
Citizens again pursued construction of a permanent station, purchasing
a building lot for $2,700. Architect P. B. Kapp of State College designed
the station, and the construction contract was awarded to Tidlow Brothers.
1928 — New Fire House Dedicated
The Inspection and Dedication of the New Fire House was held on
November 13 and 14, 1928. The building and property belonged to the
City of Lock Haven while the company retained ownership of the furniture
and contents.
1928 — Fire House Siren
Citizens agreed to purchase a fire siren for installation on the roof
of the new station.
1929 — Ahrens-Fox Transferred to City
After the final payment on the Ahrens-Fox was made on June 9, 1929,
title to the apparatus was transferred to the City of Lock Haven
according to the original agreement.
1938 — Water Rescue Operations Begin
The City placed two flood boats in the care of Citizens Hose Company.
A boat committee was established, beginning a long history of rescue
operations on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Bald Eagle Creek,
and surrounding waterways.
1935–1959 — Station Improvements
Numerous improvements were made to the fire house, including enclosure
of the rear porch, replacement of doors and flooring, installation of
blinds and screens, interior painting, construction of storage cupboards,
and other improvements to the facility.
1947 — New Seagrave Pumper
Citizens selected a Seagrave Model 66 open-type triple combination
pumping engine. The 1,000-gallon apparatus cost $12,965 and was approved
by the City of Lock Haven.
1949 — 40th Anniversary
Citizens Hose Company No. 5 celebrated 40 years of service on
February 24, 1949, at the Masonic Temple in Lock Haven.
1949–1953 — Rescue Boat Program Expands
Citizens purchased a new motor for its rescue boat, reorganized the
Boat Committee, and appointed new boat crew members. During this period,
the company also purchased 40 new sets of uniforms.
1952 — Remembering Raymond A. Wadsworth
In December, the company held a silent meditation in memory of
Raymond A. Wadsworth, who had served Citizens Hose Company as a driver
for 25 years.
1953 — City Ladder Truck Discussions
Citizens joined the other Lock Haven fire companies in discussions
regarding the purchase of a ladder truck for the city.
Late 1950s — Bellefonte Avenue Fire
Citizens responded to a fatal fire along Bellefonte Avenue during the
late 1950s.
1962 — New Equipment Truck
Following planning among the Lock Haven fire companies beginning in 1961,
a new equipment truck arrived in March 1962.
1963–1964 — Fire House Improvements
Citizens remodeled the second-floor kitchen and installed a fully modern
kitchen facility. In 1964, the Seagrave pumper also received a
reconditioned replacement engine.
1964 — 55th Anniversary
On February 5, Citizens celebrated its 55th Anniversary at the
Elks Ball Room. At the time, the company had grown to 211 members.
1966 — Automatic Door Opener
An electric-eye apparatus door opener was installed at the station.
1968 — Three-Bay Garage
Citizens secured a 99-year lease on the remaining station property for
$1 and constructed a one-story concrete-block, three-bay garage for
apparatus storage and repairs.
1969 — 60th Anniversary
Citizens celebrated 60 years of service. During the anniversary,
Mayor J. Arlington Young announced that the company would receive
a new fire truck.
1970 — Mack Maxidyne Diesel Pumper
Citizens took delivery of a Mack Maxidyne Diesel pumper in July.
The new apparatus featured a 1,250 GPM pump and was purchased by the
City of Lock Haven for $40,600.
1972 — Hurricane Agnes
During the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Agnes,
Citizens' older Seagrave pumper was used extensively for pumping
flooded cellars throughout the area.
1976 — Albert E. Glossner Honored
Albert E. Glossner was honored by the company after serving as a
Citizens Hose Company driver from 1952 until 1976.
1979 — 70th Anniversary
Citizens celebrated its 70th Anniversary on March 31, 1979,
at the Lock Haven Moose Lodge.
1980 — Rescue Truck Program
The company organized an Equipment-Rescue Truck Committee and purchased
a 1956 GMC Equipment-Rescue Truck from East Taylor Township
Volunteer Fire Company.
1980 — Claster's Lumber Warehouse Fire
Citizens responded to a major fire involving the fully involved
Claster's Lumber Warehouse.
1983 — International Cargostar Rescue
Citizens authorized the purchase of a 1975 International Cargostar
Emergency Salvage apparatus from the City of Rome, New York,
for $27,511.
1984 — GMC Rescue Sold
The company's older 1956 GMC rescue truck was sold after the
International Cargostar entered service.
1986 — Water Rescue Truck
Citizens received a 1956 Chevrolet rescue truck from Howard,
Pennsylvania, for use in water rescue operations.
1987 — F-Model Mack Rescue
After the International Cargostar chassis was determined to be too light,
the rescue body was mounted on an F-Model Mack chassis and placed into
service in 1987.
1990–1992 — Major Station Expansion
Citizens began a major expansion of the fire station. The project included
rehabilitation of the original 1928 station, four additional apparatus bays,
male and female bunkrooms, a fitness room, kitchen, office space, and a
second-story residence above the former garage.
1992 — Expansion Dedicated
Construction of the expanded Citizens Hose Company station was completed
in October 1992 and followed by an open house and dedication.
We remember and thank Mary Elizabeth Clark for generously making Citizens Hose Company No. 5 the beneficiary of her estate and making this expansion possible with a $300,000 donation. She made the largest donation to the company it it's 86 year history to this point. We dedicate our flagpole towards her.
1994 — B-Model Mack Rescue
Citizens purchased a 1964 B-Model Mack equipped with a
Gerstenslager rescue body.
1996 — Utility Vehicle Added
A 1978 Ford ambulance was purchased from Good Will Hose Company
in Flemington and converted for use as a utility vehicle.
1997 — New Rescue Boat
The company's older rescue boat was replaced with a 17-foot
Monark flat-bottom skiff obtained through the federal surplus program.
1998 — Special Operations Unit
The B-Model Mack was sold to a South Carolina fire company,
and Citizens converted a 26-foot Cargo Mate trailer into a
Special Operations Unit for the Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team.
2000 — New HME Rescue
After forming a rescue truck committee in 1999, Citizens placed a
new 2000 HME rescue equipped with a 4-Guys rescue body into service.
2001 — New Support Vehicles
Citizens purchased a 20-foot J&L canteen trailer and a
1993 Ford E-350 ambulance from Lock Haven EMS for use as a utility vehicle.
2002 — Junior Firefighter Program
Citizens helped develop a Junior Firefighter Program for the
Lock Haven Fire Department, giving younger members an opportunity
to begin learning the fire service.
2003 — First Junior Firefighters
Cody Wooding and Mike Stevenson became the company's first junior
firefighters when they were accepted into the program in May 2003.
2003 — Water Rescue Expansion
Citizens placed a 1985 Chevrolet 1½-ton rescue truck into service
for water rescue operations and added a 12-foot Danard inflatable
rescue boat powered by a 15 HP Yamaha outboard motor.
2004 — Floodlight Trailer
The company added a Wanco floodlight trailer to its emergency
and support equipment.
2006–2007 — New Pierce Contender
A federal grant allowed Citizens to purchase a new 2007 Pierce Contender.
The engine featured a 1,500 GPM pump, 1,000-gallon water tank,
and foam system.
2007 — Kubota RTV900
A Pennsylvania state grant allowed the company to purchase a
Kubota RTV900 multifunction emergency response vehicle.
2008 — Kubota Support Trailer
Citizens purchased a Car-Mate 10,000-pound trailer to transport
the Kubota emergency response vehicle.
2009 — 100 Years of Service
Citizens Hose Company No. 5 celebrated its centennial and entered its
second century of service with a modern fleet, expanded facilities,
specialized rescue capabilities, and a proud volunteer tradition.
2024 — Eastside Fire Rescue
On January 1, 2024, Hope Hose Company No. 2 and Hand-in-Hand Hose Company No. 4 officially consolidated to form Eastside Fire Rescue. The merger marked a significant restructuring of the Lock Haven Fire Department, reducing the number of independent volunteer fire companies from three to two. Citizens Hose Company No. 5 remained an independent organization, continuing its longstanding tradition of serving Lock Haven alongside the newly formed Eastside Fire Rescue.
