Green Ridge History
The Beginning
It's not much of a story, just the history of the organization and the growth of the community fire company, but it speaks well for the people who live in the area homes, and especially for the would be firefighters who started the whole thing. This group of men, met in one of the basements in Green Ridge during April 1942. They felt an urgent need for some form of fire protection due to over 100 homes in this area, and plans for 250 more being considered.
1942
April - The first meeting of 24 men was held to organize; there were no assets, no only a high aim and idea. Harry Ryle was elected president. They worked hard going directly to the residents of Aston Township in an effort to get sufficient funds for chartering their group. The response was splendid and they received their state charter on August 14, 1942. Again the men took to the community to secure funds for a truck and equipment. The now famous "War Baby" was starting to walk.
August - A 1926 Dodge truck called "Old Betsy" was purchased. The members all volunteered their time to completely rebuild and repaint the truck. All parts and equipment finally secured despite the restrictions caused by the war. Our first truck is housed in a private garage owned by Sam Forrest
September - A charter was taken to the township commissioners for their approval. The ladies auxiliary was formally recognized and adopted by the company.
November - The commissioners officially recognized the company as a township organization and gave a donation of $500.00. Also approved was liability and compensation insurance on the truck and members of the company. Parkside Fire Company was the first to entertain the company and officially recognize Green Ridge as a fire company among other fire companies.
December - Hoses, Indian tanks, brooms and nozzles were received and placed on the truck. A lot on the corner of Duttons Mill and Crystal Road was bought as the site of the future firehouse.
1943
January - The Fire Company secured a bill for a fire truck.
March - A fire ring was placed in back of a house as the only means of summoning the men to the fire. It was the only available alarm system due to the war. The relief association was officially acknowledged. The Green Ridge Fire Company No 1 of Aston Township announced that they are now on call for active service in the ranks of those of Delaware County whose aim is to protect life and property from damage by fire.
April - Green Ridge joins the Delaware County Fireman's Association
August - The Fire company established a committee to prepare plans for a new fire house on their lot at Crystal and Duttons Mill Roads
1944
January - The Company formed its first junior fireman section with six members
June - Ground was broken for the new firehouse and construction began
September - The fire company formed its first fire police unit approved by the commissioners.
1945
April - The Company joined the Pennsylvania State Fireman's Association
September - Our new firehouse is completed at a cost of $3,220.25 and the official dedication and housing was held. After about 3 years of hard work and sweat their dreams come true. The community of Aston was continuing to grow which means the fire company had to grow to meet the demands of the township.
December - The Company purchased a 1940 Dodge Pumper, army surplus, equipped with 500-gallon booster tank.
1954
February - A committee was set up for construction of the new wing on the rear of the engine room which housed a new kitchen, a hall on the main level, and a club in the basement.
1958
The company purchased a Ward LaFrance Pumper to replace the 1926 Dodge
1963
The company purchased a 1963 Seagraves Pumper, which is fully equipped, 631. This truck replaced the 1940 Dodge Pumper.
1969
The company set up a committee to buy land for a new firehouse
1972
Five acres of land was purchased from the Sun Oil Company for $25,000.00 Again the fire company came to the residents of Aston for donations and once again the residents responded generously.
1975
The new firehouse was completed at a cost of $250,000.00. The building serves as a monument to the generosity of the residents of Aston who want the very best for themselves, their children and the community.
November - The Company purchased a 1942 Ward Lafrance Buffalo Ladder Truck from Friendship Fire Company for $400.00 with the intent of restoring it.
1976
A 1954 Mack Pumper, 63-3, was purchased from the City of Chester
1977
A 1960 Seagraves Ladder was purchased for $33,501.00.
1979
October - The First District Air Bank, a 1954 Ford, was placed into service.
1983
February - 63-3, a 1954 Mack Pumper was sent out and rebuilt.
1985
The company sold the Ward LaFrance Pumper, which was purchased in 1958, to Trainer Fire Company.
1986
The company placed in service a 1979 GMC Van, which will be used as the First District Air Bank. This replaces a 1954 Ford. The company ordered a 1987 Hahn 75' Ladder Truck for $260,000.00.
1987
The company received their new 1987 Hahn 75' Ladder Truck and placed the unit in service. This unit is still in service today as Truck 63.
1991
The company purchased a 1979 Saulsbury Truck from Southern Chester County. This truck will be used as an airbank, Air Unit63. This truck replaces a 1979 GMC Van, which was sold to Zeke's Service Station.
1992
The company is receiving bids for the purchase of a new pumper, which will replace 63-3, which is a 1954 Mack Pumper. The cost of the new pumper is $230,000.00. This new truck will be delivered either at the end of April or the beginning of May.
1993
The company houses a 1993 E-One 1500 G.P.M. Pumper.
1997
The company completed renovations of the building and outside parking lot at a cost of $177,000.00.
1998
March - The Company receives bids for a new Rescue which will replace Air Unit a 1979 Saulsbury.
April - The company purchases a 1999 E-One Rescue for $360,000.00.
1999
February - The company receives and places in service a 1999 E-1 Rescue truck.
2000
June - The company houses Rescue 63 a 1999 E-One.
2001
The company receives bids for a 2001 Ford F350 Utility truck to replace the 1963 Seagraves engine. The Seagraves engine is sold for $1,800.00. Utility 63 is was placed into service.
2002
The company forms a Truck committee to replace the 1987 Hahn.
2004
The company purchases a 2003 Pierce 105' ladder truck to replace the 1987 Hahn. The company also purchased the 1963 Seagraves back from the owner to whom it was sold. The engine is currently getting restored and will be a antique truck.
GREEN RIDGE MEMBER HISTORY
PAST FIRE CHIEFS
Michael Evans
2011-2014
Bob Herre
2007-2011
Dave Evans Jr
2004-2007
Michael Lucy Sr.
2003-2004
Drew McPartland
1993-2002
Tom Morgan Sr.
1992-1993
Drew McPartland
1990-1991
Jeff Stewart
1989-1990
George Needles
1988-1989
Larry Parker
1986-1987
Paul Micun
1985-1986
George Needles
1983-1984
Larry Parker
1982-1983
Paul Micun
1976-1981
Jim Voss
1976-1976
John R, Barbosa
1976-1976
George Morgan Jr.
1975-1976
Harold Burbage
1973-1974
Norman Craig
1970-1972
Allen Finlayson
1967-1969
Gerald McManiman
1961-1966
Fred J. Tuohey
1957-1960
F Connor Griffith
1957-1957
Chester Diem
1948-1956
F Connor Griffith
1945-1947
Fred Tuohey
1942-1944
PAST PRESIDENTS
Michael Lucy Sr.
2004-2014
Gary Plotts
2003-2004
Joe Barbosa
2001-2003
Ed Gane
1998-2000
Bonnie Lucy
1991-1993
Joe Barbosa
1994-1997
John C. Illingsworth
1989-1990
Tom Morgan Sr.
1988-1989
Chuck Rhoades
1985-1987
John Sauter Sr.
1984-1985
Monte Case
1983-1984
John Sauter Sr.
1982-1983
Allan Brisiel
1981-1982
Barry Armstrong
1981-1981
John Sauter Sr.
1980-1981
Larry Parker
1979-1980
Barry Armstrong
1978-1979
Jim Persing Sr.
1977-1978
Glenn Petty
1975-1976
Charles Steward
1971-1974
John Conlon
1967-1970
Ken Johnson
1962-1966
Jim Persing Sr.
1977-1978
Glenn Petty
1975-1976
Charles Steward
1971-1974
John Conlon
1967-1970
Ken Johnson
1962-1966
James Wesley
1961-1962
James Nelmes
1960-1961
Micheal McManiman
1957-1959
Edwin O Sullivan
1956-1957
Raymond Clements
1956-1956
George Langford
1955-1956
Charles Ragan
1954-1955
Micheal McManiman
1953-1954
Edgan Simpers
1952-1953
Harry Pyle
1950-1951
Darwin Savage
1949-1950
Lawrence Garrison
1948-1949
Jack Miller
1947-1948
Harry Pyle
1942-1946
LIFE MEMBERS
John Illingsworth Jr.
Life Member
Brian Junkerman
Life Member
Gary Junkerman
Life Member
John Junkerman
Life Member
Tom Kingsland
Life Member
Jim Krapf
Life Member
Bonnie Lucy
Life Member
Michael Lucy Sr.
Life Member
Tom Lukens
Life Member
Brenda Maynes
Life Member
Bruno Micun Jr.
Life Member
John Maynes Jr.
Life Member
Paul Micun
Life Member
George Morgan Sr.
Life Member
Gerald McManiman
Life Member
Tom Morgan Sr.
Life Member
George Needles Sr.
Life Member
George Needles Jr.
Life Member
James Nelms
Life Member
Russell Odgen
Life Member
Thomas Oliver
Life Member
Albert Palubinsky
Life Member
Larry Parker
Life Member
Linda Paker
Life Member
Michael Pevich
Life Member
Jim Persing Jr.
Life Member
Jim Persing Sr.
Life Member
Glenn Petty Sr.
Life Member
Glenn Petty Jr.
Life Member
Leo Pileggi Sr.
Life Member
Harry Pyle
Life Member
Walter Riddle
Life Member
John D. Sauter
Life Member
John H. Sauter
Life Member
Jeff Stewart
Life Member
Gary Thompson
Life Member
Kurt Tiger
Life Member
Steve Tipton
Life Member
Fred Tuohey
Life Member
Jim Voss
Life Member
Earl Albertson
Life Member
Barry Armstrong
Life Member
Ralph Armstrong
Life Member
Beverly Arthur
Life Member
Wayne Arthur
Life Member
Walter Atwood
Life Member
Joe Barbosa
Life Member
John R. Barbosa Jr.
Life Member
John R. Barbosa
Life Member
Harvey Bradford
Life Member
Carl Brisiel
Life Member
Harold Burbage
Life Member
John Conlon
Life Member
Stanley Corbin
Life Member
Norman Craig
Life Member
James Dwyer
Life Member
Robert Edmunds
Life Member
Dave Evans Sr.
Life Member
William Ferguson
Life Member
Ed Gane
Life Member
James Glatts
Life Member
Connor Griffith
Life Member
Dave Gustafson
Life Member
Merritt Harman
Life Member
Greg Hartley
Life Member
Larry Hill Sr.
Life Member
John Illingsworth Sr.
Life Member
Harry Howard
Life Member
Charles Journey Sr.
Life Member
HONORARY MEMBERS
Brian Evans
Honorary
Dan Ioven
Honorary
James McGinn
Honorary
Jason Voss
Honorary
Susumu Yamamoto
Honorary
CHARTER MEMBERS
Fred A. Curtis
Charter Member
Harry N. Pyle
1st President
George E. Meischker
Charter Member
Harry C. Sharp
Charter Member
James H. Minshall
Charter Member
Wm H. Garrett
Charter Member
Frank A. Lampe
Charter Member
Harrison C. Maitland
Charter Member
Oscar M. Pryor
Charter Member
Howard F. Reed
Charter Member
Frank I. Taylor
Charter Member
Axil T. Andreson
Charter Member
Ole Johnson
Charter Member
Paul T. Baynard
Charter Member
Frank Romeo
Charter Member
John Q.A. Taylor
Charter Member
Robert Brodie
Charter Member
Samuel Forrest
Charter Member
William J. Tennant
Charter Member
William F. Buhrkuhl
Charter Member
W Bruce Mac Henry
Charter Member
Frederick M. Friscoe
Charter Member
George Wm Knoedler
Charter Member
John R. Parsons
Charter Member
Russell Harmon
Charter Member
Leo Lloyd
Charter Member
Albert H. Ingram
Charter Member
Clement J. Terry
Charter Member
Harvey L. Roberts
Charter Member
Harold L. Greenawalt
Charter Member
Leroy P. Bateman
Charter Member
Ulrich S. Wright
Charter Member
F Connor Griffith
Charter Member