History - Citizens' Hose Company NO. 1

Original Firehouse

Founded January 6, 1886 the Citizens' Hose Company No 1 Inc. is rich in heritage, pride, and has proven time and again it distinction as a premiere fire department. Established by the people of Smyrna in the late 1880's, the Smyrna Fire Co. has proven time and again it's ability to serve the residents of the community.

THE FIRST 50 YEARS

1885 - The town installs water mains and fire hydrants throughout the town
1/6/1886 Voting takes place to become a permanent organization
1/18/1886- First Administrative officers are appointed
7/4/1887- One year after establishment, the company takes part in the first of countless parades
1/28/1897 The town of Smyrna becomes more involved in the fire company, the town agrees to help pay for items essential to the department in exchange for providing at least 30 active members

Town Hall after fire of 1948

Timeline of events 1900's

1901- CHC establishes a fundraising committee to solicit the community for vital funds
1902- Fire box system installed
1904- Having used a man drawn hose tender and ladder cart, the company purchases a horse drawn cart
1905- First "smoke masks" are purchased in an effort to better equip the men
1907- The CHC applies for a new charter from the state
1916- The company purchases the first motorized apparatus, an American La France complete with a 350 GPM rotary pump
1921- Citizens' Hose becomes a charter member of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Assoc.
12/18/1922- The second motorized truck is placed into service, a Dodge Graham Brothers chassis outfitted to perform as rural fire truck.
1925- The CHC installs every child's favorite the fire pole
11/9/1925- The first official meeting is held in the building still housing the CHC.
June 1928- A new American La France engine is purchased it would be placed into service during September that same year
That same pumper remains in the possession and use of the CHC today
1932- Citizens' Hose purchases "scout" a 1932 American La France pumper
1933- Citizens' Hose withdraws it's membership in the KCVFA, they would rejoin in 1937