History of Highland Hose Company
In 1897, twenty-five men of the 1st ward of Tarentum Boro organized a volunteer fire company. It became inactive a few years later. In 1913, the company was reorganized as the First Ward Tarentum Fire Company, and the name was changed to Hiland No. 1. Later the company was changed to Highland Hose Company No. 1, as it is today. The first apparatus was a hand drawn hose cart with 500 feet of 2 1/2 inch hose. The first motor driven fire truck was a Republic truck delivered October 15, 1917 for $3,500. For a period of 25 years the company functioned without a charter. On May 10, 1921, 45 members applied for a charter, which which was granted October 10, 1921. On June 14, 1927 a Hudson Chemical truck was purchased. In January, 1927, the Boro decided to build three fire halls, one in each ward. On May 3, 1928, Highland Hose moved into its present building. At a meeting in 1929, Highland, Eureka, and Summit Hose Companies voted to organize The Tarentum Fire Department. On August 15, 1931, a new Ahrens-Fox fire truck was delivered and placed in service. It is still used today for special events.
As you can see, the members, past and present, of this company have made it what it is today, a great service organization, not only to the 1st ward, but the entire Borough and surrounding communities. We are only volunteers, we are always there for any reason, day or night, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
On a call in 1999 one of our members, Michael J. Sims Sr., was killed in the line of duty. Unfortunately, this is one aspect of fire service nobody can predict. Our members have come together in our time of need, just like the first members did in 1897, to help each other. The great members make this company, we will always be here to serve on a moment's notice.