History

In a meeting held on May 10, 1897, civic minded Nazarenes organized The Vigilance Hose Co. No. 1.  The organization of this fire company was the offspring of two previously organized Nazareth fire companies. The first, the Moravian Fire Company, organized in 1791 and the second, the Mechanic fire company, organized May 5,1812.

According to the records concerning this organizational meeting, a resolution was passed to accept by-laws such as the laws enforced by the Liberty Hose Co. No.2 of South Easton and abide by these until their own could be drawn up.

One week later on May 17, 1897 this same group met again for the purpose of giving their organization a name and appointing members to definite positions. The first names proposed were those of “Humane” “Citizens” and “Reliance." However after a ballot vote, the name Vigilance Hose Co. No.1 was accepted as the official title.  At this meeting E.A. Clewell was elected fire chief, H. Hartly, foreman of hose and H.C Brockman assistant foreman of hose.  Other positions appointed were: Hose men, plug men, ax men, watchmen, and bellmen.  Note: the bellmen in those days were obliged to perform the duty of sounding the alarm by tolling the bell of the Moravian Church. The same bell which is being used by the local Moravian congregation, served as the first fire alarm system in Nazareth.  

Being organized, Vigilance Hose Co. No.1 began accepting applications for membership. The first members to join were Joseph Shafer, Morris Frable, Morris Haldeman George Boerstler, John Renner, Amandus Renner, Robert Keller, Charles Frankenfield, and Palmer Flick. 

The regular monthly meetings were held at the Commercial House on South Main Street (building is no longer in existence)

In 1902 a building was constructed on Belvidere Street to house fire apparatus, club rooms, council rooms and comfort stations. (This building currently houses The Nazareth Center for the Arts)

Vigilance Hose Co. No. 1 station  circa 1902. Photograph provided by Jeffery J. Rathburn 

This building housed the fire department until 1980 when the current fire station was built on South Broad Street.

Records of names of past fire chiefs and the years they held the position:

1897 - 1900                     E. A. Clewell

1900 - 1907                     L. P. Lemminger

1908 - 1909                     John Snyder

1910 - 1911                     Elmer Yetter

1911 - 1912                     H. C. Gross

1912 - 1914                     Charles Knecht

1915 - 1925                     John Snyder

1926                                -------------

1927 - 1928                     Clarence Everritt

1929 - 1935                    Charles M. Stuber

1936 - 1942                     Michael Masters

1943 - 1952                     William R. Miller

1953 - 1965                     Floyd Kostenbader

1966 - July 1968             Ronald Mengel

July 1968 - 1978              Ernest Fehnel

1979 - April 1979            Robert Miklas

April 1979 - Aug. 1985   Richard Garren Sr.

Aug. 1985 - 1989             James Collins Sr.

1990 - 2016                     Danny Keenhold

2017 - 2019                     John Deutsch

2020 - Present                 Gerald Johnson

The company is presently equipped with:

2025 Pierce Enforcer          (5011)

2015 KME Engine              (5012)

2002 Ferrara Tower            (5021)

2015 KME Rescue             (5041)           

2004 Ford Expedition         (5042)

2013 Chevrolet  utility        (5043)

The company also is still in possession of  “The Good Intent”, a 1791 hand operated pumper. 

Retired Apparatus:

1948 Americal Lafrance Engine

1962 Americal LaFrance Engine

1974 American LaFrance 100' Ladder

1978 American Lafrance Engine

1988 Hahn Rescue

1994 KME Engine