About Chester Township Fire Company

Our Legacy

Our History and Commitment to Community

The Felton Hose & Chemical Company of Chester Township, Delaware County, PA was organized in August of 1921. On Oct. 17th of the same year, the Company received its charter. The new company eventually replaced the old Chester Township Fire Company which disbanded about that time. The first firehouse was a former garage at Concord and Chichester Roads, owned by Mr. Wallace Free. Mr. James Dougherty (Baron) donated the first fire apparatus, a hand-drawn parade wagon. Mr. Harry Barrowclough was the first company President and Mr. Edward Bradfield was the first Fire Chief. In 1923 members built their own station on the same site as our current firehouse. It was a 20’X40’ single-story building. This was adequate until 1939 when an engine room was added. The members used an unusual fire signal to alert the public at this time, it was an iron wheel that came off a beer wagon used by a local Philadelphia brewery. Members would strike the wheel with a sledge hammer which was mounted to a wooden frame outside the station. A bell was also used which was mounted in a tower atop the firehouse until a siren was added some time later. In 2005, the members changed our charter name back to The Chester Township Fire Company from Felton Hose & Chemical Company.

Now, as in 1921, our commitment to all the people of the Township of Chester and our surrounding communities remains stronger than ever. We remain committed to our original purpose which is to be an instrument of good for all of mankind.

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