History

The Lehman Volunteer Fire Company was founded in 1938, and chartered in June of 1944.. Founding members included, John Sidler and Joe Elsworth, both were teachers at the Lehman High School. Together with other members of the community including June 1944; H.L. Hendricks, C.S. Nuse, Arthur Ehert, Harry Edwards and H.L. Hendricks and Louis Ide, Walter Chamberlin.

The first engine was a 1940 Ford, which was built by members of the fire department and housed in an apple barn. As time moved on members acquired a new building located on what is now Firehouse Rd. Lehman Twp. Thr land was donated by Dr. Brown and Dr. Hogue. Members worked in their free time to improve the building and added additional an garage area to the building.

In 1956 an ambulance service was added to the fire department.

In 1959 through the generosity of Mrs. William Conyngham of Lehman, the fire department received a new Ward LaFrance pumper.

In 1959, the Fire Chief (Herb Kemmer), passed away at the scene of a fire due to a heart attack. He will always be remembers by the members of the department and the community.

1958, members had a busy year, the nedw addition (garage) was completed, and the first tanker in the Back Mountain was put in service.

Through the 1960's members continued to work to improve the vehicles and training.

In June of 1972, the Wyoming Valley was inundated by flood waters from the Susquehanna River. A shelter was established at the Lake-Lehman High School. The fire department, provided fire protection, assisted in medical care and staffing at the school. A landing zone was established in Lehman and a second in Dallas, which was utilized by the National Guard, to bring in medical supplies and other supplies needed in the shelters.

Members also assisted during the clean up operations after the waters receeded.

Over the years members worked to add additional fire fighting vehicles including a Ford Tanker, International Tanker, Brockway Tanker, GMC Tanker, Dodge mini pumper, Ward LaFrance pumper, Hahn Pumper, a GMC Rescue and Chev Brush Truck. Today our department has in service a Chevrolet Brush Truck, 2005 Mack Pumper Tanker, 1988 KME Renegade pumper, with a 55 foot ladder, GMC Top Kick Heavy Rescue, a Medix EMS Unit.

Through the years members of the fire department have worked countless hours in fund raising activities to purchase new equipment and maintain the station. The Lehman Fire Department for many years held an annual Horse Show which was attended by competitor's through Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. The Lehman Fire Company was one of the first organizations in the Commonwealth to hold Tractor Pulls. The tractor Pulls would draw thousands of spectators.

Today our members continue to work and train to provide the best possible emergency service to the residents of Lehman and Lake Townships.