Our Mission
The Willing Hand Hose Co. # 1 Inc. provides Fire/Rescue & Emergency Medical Services to the citizens who live, work, visit, and commute throughout our response area.
The department is actively involved in community events throughout the year such as the annual "D.A.R.E. Street Fair", the "National Night Out", and the Borough of Montoursville's Annual "Fall Festival".
Twenty-four hours a day, every day, we are here. Ready and Willing to serve.
Company Profile
Over 100 years ago a small group of Montoursville Borough citizens decided that something should be done in the community to have an organized Fire Department. This story is the beginning of the Willing Hand Hose Co. # 1 of Montoursville.
On September 4, 1893, a group led by Horace Else went to meet with Borough Council about the organization of a fire department. Mr. H.G. Bennett, a borough coucilman told the group that Borough Council would do all they could to encourage the formation of the fire department. After this the group present nominated & elected the first company officers. They also established a list of thirty two charter members.
Since there was no constitution or by-laws established the secretary was instructed to contact Watsontown and Milton fire departments for copies of their constitutions and by-laws. It was decided to meet every Friday night at 7:00 p.m.
On September 27, 1893, the meeting was called to order with the business at hand being the selection of a fire company name. Suggestions of Citizens Hose Company, Liberty Volunteer, Willing Hand, and Active were made. An election followed with Willing Hand Hose Company being the winning name.
Incorporated in April of 1894, the Willing Hand Hose Co. # 1 Inc. has grown and changed along with the communities it protects. From leather buckets to horse drawn steamers, early motorized apparatus to today's state of the art life saving equipment, we are constantly striving to be "professional volunteers".
We now serve over 8,500 people in the Borough of Montoursville, Fairfield Township, & Upper Fairfield Township.
Our Fire Prevention Team was recently recognized as one of the best in Pennsylvania. This is just the latest example of how "OUR PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE."
We belong to several County & State Associations.
Last year our department received over 700 calls for assistance.
We are proud of our past and look forward to the future.