RESCUE HOSE COMPANY

Members of the Rescue Hose Co. host an open house every October for Fire Prevention Week.

Greencastle and Antrim Township have a long history of being protected with a volunteer fire department. Today Greencastle Rescue Hose Company No. 1 is dedicated to providing professional fire, rescue and emergency medical services to the borough, township and surrounding communities. Membership is open to men and women ages 14 and up. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

On Oct. 1, 1831, it all began. The town council required every white male resident paying taxes to join the Greencastle Fire Company. Each man had to provide “a good and sufficient bucket made of leather and a jacket.” Anyone failing to do so was fined 50 cents a day. The troops split up the duties, serving as engine men, bucket men or ladder men.

Service was uneven in the next decades, with different fire companies vying for power, and response to calls was inadequate. In 1896 the RHC No. 1 officially formed. An ambulance squad was added in 1967. Funeral directors donated equipment they had previously used to run the calls.

The first fire station is now the home of borough hall. The next fire station was on South Carlisle Street, now home to Greencastle Church of the Brethren. The latest move was in 1998 to 842 S. Washington St., a familiar place, as it used to be South Antrim Elementary School.

The RHC first due territory includes residences, truck stops, shipping and distribution centers, manufacturing and commercial facilities, and anything in-between. The response crews offer fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, extrication, and hazardous materials control. Training is rigorously conducted to assure the latest and safest methods of facing dire situations.

New members are always encouraged to join. Those who don’t serve on the front lines can help with fundraising events or offer expertise in other areas.

RHC has two engines, a rescue squad, a engine tanker, a brush truck and two trucks of particular pride and joy. The 1930 Seagrave Pumper was restored and the 1741 Hand Pumper is on display in the museum to the rear of the station. The HOCO Museum is full of RHC memorabilia, from hoses to uniforms to photographs and company records. It is open to the public, and to make sure someone will be present to answer questions, call the fire hall at 717-5978489 to schedule a visit.

An advanced life support unit from Medic 2 also is stationed at the Rescue Hose Co. and responds along with the ambulance squad to more serious medical emergencies.

Fire police are a vital part of the Rescue Hose Co. operation at accident scenes, fires and other emergencies. The fire police volunteers also spend a lot of time keeping people safe by controlling traffic at community events.

Rescue Hose Company personnel have established a fundraising tradition in Greencastle that residents look forward to every year. The Hobo Entertainers begin rehearsals in January, with performances in late February or early March. The show began in 1929, and with a few years interruption, has been entertaining audiences in what is believed to be the longest running hobo group in the United States.

The department has a rental facility available for banquets and parties, as an additional source of income. It is the multi-purpose room at the station.

For information, call 717-597-8489 or visit www.rescuehose.com.