Central Fire Department

The Central Fire Station is located in the Civic Center East
adjacent to the Punxsutawney Borough Police Department
and Punxsutawney Memorial Library in downtown Punxsutawney

Firetrucks
Engine 20-1, 1997 Freightliner features a 5-man enclosed cab, 1500gpm Darley pump, 1000 gallon water tank, a top-mounted pump panel and an on-board generator Tanker 20, 2006 Freightliner M2 2000 gallon tank, 1250gpm Hale pump, side mount pump panel, electric side & rear dumps, dual 1 3/4 preconnects, single 2 1/2 preconnect, Provided through a grant via the Department of Homeland Security Special Emergency Response Trailer Hazardous Material Response and Mass Casualty Response. Provided through the Jefferson County EMA		Rescue 20 1984 GMC Brigadier Heavy Rescue carries the "Jaws of Life", rope rescue equipment, rescue air bags, HazMat response material and a 4500 p.s.i. "Cascade" or Rescue Air System Central's "Pride and Joy" 1936 Dodge Brothers ladder truck. This truck was actually used by the P.F.D. It is now used as a display piece in area parades and functions.

This photo, taken in August 2000, looks very similar to the one pictured above... only the one above was taken in the early 1980's. If you look closely, firefighter Matt Powell is about to get drenched by fellow firefighter John Wolfe. He can be seen over the hood of the truck. This picture was taken as Central Firefighters prepared the truck for its first run in almost 10 years.

2008 MEMBERS (as of June 1, 2008)
John Andrews, Mike Benninger, Fred Biesinger, Donald J. Bosak, Mary Ann Bosak, Rick Bosak, Henry Braunns, Kyle Bryan, Scott Depp, Paul Doughty, Rod Doughty, Arnie Dunmire, Jim Esposito, Gene Fyock, John Joseph, Josie Kalus, Eric Kerestesy, David Kostok, Michael Kostok, Steven Kostok, Westley Malburg, Tami McFarland, Derek Miller, Ken Pearce, D. Matthew Powell, Joe Rembowski, Larry Rembowski, Nick Runco, Tony Runco, Doug Scott, Nathan Shaffer, Jim Simmons, Chris Smith, Pete Smith, Wanda Thomas, Ray Tinker, Brock VanLeer, Eric Waldron, Kevin Wineberg, John Wolfe and Reney Young.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Dan Bosak, Ed Boston, Dan Burkett, Pete Carlton, Pete Divelbiss, Nate Kohut, and Wayne Pifer

LINE OFFICERS
Scott Depp, Chief
Pete Smith, Assistant Chief
D. Matthew Powell, Captain
Rick Bosak, Lieutenant

CHAIR OFFICERS
D. Matthew Powell, President
Tami McFarland, Vice President
Kevin Wineberg, Treasurer
Mike Benninger, Secretary

The first equipment for fire-fighting purposes purchased in Punxsutawney consisted of a number of grapple-hooks, buckets, and ladders. The date of purchase cannot be given, but it seems that this equipment served the borough until after the Big Fire of June 1879. This fire showed the need for better equipment.

A Babcock Chemical Extinguisher was then purchased for the borough. William Torrence, who was chosen chief in 1879, served until 1886. At that time all citizens were a part of the company. In the fall of 1888, the Punxsutawney Water Company completed the lying of its lines and the town had fifteen fire plugs. It was now necessary to purchase a hose cart and a reel of hose. This apparatus furnished excellent service for the town.

A new company was organized with Harry Evans, chief, in charge and L. R. Huth as assistant. The company fought two of our great fires, those of I~J and 1903 and served until March 17, 1907, when Lindsey was incorporated with Punxsutawney. At this time the name of Central Fire Department was adopted. On January 30, 1908, under the influence of Cloy Duff and John S. Thomas, the first secretary to keep correctly the minutes of the company, Carl Jordan was elected Chief of the Fire Company and Carl Rowan, treasurer.

The earliest recorded ordinance regarding the Fire Departments of the borough is ordinance No. 140, which was passed on September 14, 1909. This ordinance provides for the organization and government of the Fire Company. As an amendment to ordinance No. 140, the council passed the following on March 10, 1919. A salary of fifty cents per hour was to be paid to each fireman for his services. This time was to be registered from the time he left the Municipal Building until he returned after the fire.

Preparing for the renovation of the tarmac at Station 40, Tower 40, Engine 40 and Squad 42 were all moved to Station 20.

Engine 40, Engine 21 and Tower 40 are all sitting up front and ready to roll into action with Squad 42, Rescue 20 and Tanker 20 bringing up the rear.