News

First Due Working Fire: 1100-Blk Alexander Ave.

May 14, 2018

At 9:45 pm on 5/13/18, Company 20 and assisting Township units were dispatched to 1107 Alexander Ave. for a house fire with people trapped. While enroute, Fireboard reported calls being received for a fire on the 2nd floor with 2 people trapped, one inside the house and one on … [Read more...]

Line of Duty Death of Philadelphia Fire Department Lieutenant and Springfield Fire Company Firefighter Matthew LeTourneau.

January 8, 2018

With heavy hearts, we lower our flags to half-mast as we mourn the tragic Line of Duty Death of Philadelphia Fire Department Lieutenant and Springfield Fire Company Firefighter Matthew LeTourneau. This morning, while working his shift as Lieutenant of Engine 45 in North … [Read more...]

Santa is Coming to Town!!

December 7, 2017

It's official! Santa Claus will be coming for his annual tour of Drexel Hill on Saturday, December 16th, beginning at 10 am. Santa will be hitting the streets accompanied by his firefighting helpers, who will be distributing candy canes to all residents. Be sure to listen for the … [Read more...]

We Regret to Announce the Death of Russell A. Clark.

November 20, 2017

We regret to announce the death of Russell A. Clark. Russ was a 79 year member of the Garrettford-Drexel Hill Fire Company. He held the position of Assistant Chief for 10 years and he also served as Financial Secretary. Calling hours are Monday Nov. 20 from 6pm to 8pm at the … [Read more...]

3 Alarm Fire: Clifton Heights Borough

September 5, 2017

On Monday 9/6/17 RIT/Rescue 20 was dispatched to a working apartment building fire with people trapped on the 300-blk N. Sycamore Ave. in Clifton Heights Borough. First-in units arrived to find heavy fire showing from the 2nd floor with numerous people hanging out windows. 20-1 … [Read more...]

Septa 69th Street Terminal Train Accident

September 5, 2017

On 8/21/17 at 12:21 am last night, Company 20 was dispatched to assist on a serious train accident at the Septa 69th Street Terminal. Reports came pouring in that a Route 100 high-speed trolley struck another trolley at the Terminal and there were numerous people injured. Engine … [Read more...]

Death of Past President Hubert Gantz

May 8, 2017

It is with deep regret that the Drexel Hill Fire Company announces the passing of member Hubert Gantz. Hubert is a life member, past lieutenant, and past President of the Company, having served in the position from 2001-2013. Hubert was always a fixture here at Station 20 and … [Read more...]

2-Alarm Fire In Haverford Twp.

March 31, 2017

Around 5am this morning RIT/Rescue 20 (D/C B. Tully) were dispacthed to a 2 alarm house fire in Havertown. Crews were summoned to the 200-blk of Hill Rd. in Company 58's (Bon Air) first due, and arrived to find heavy fire from the 2nd floor of a 2 story dwelling. A 2nd alarm was … [Read more...]

First Due Working Fire: 900-blk Anderson Ave

March 23, 2017

On 3/22 at 10:19 am Company 20 along with 26 37 36 & RIT 74 were dispatched to a working house fire in the 1st due, at Anderson and Bond Aves. 20-1 (R.Lechette III) arrived on location to find a 2 story twin dwelling with heavy fire from the 2nd floor and an exposure to the … [Read more...]

Working Fire: Yeadon Borough

February 20, 2017

On 2/16/17 Company 20 was dispatched to a 3 alarm fire on the 800-blk of Serrill Ave in Yeadon Borough. First-in crews arrived to find heavy fire showing from the rear of a dwelling, with reports of people trapped. Co. 20 was dispatched on the 3rd alarm and Engine 20-1 and Ladder … [Read more...]

Working Fire: East Lansdowne Borough

January 9, 2017

Just before 4:30 pm on Saturday 1/7/2016, RIT/Rescue 20 were dispatched to the 100-blk of Lewis Ave., in East Lansdowne Borough, for a house fire. As units went responding, Fireboard advised that police were on location reporting a working fire. A/C 24-9B (Castellano) arrived and … [Read more...]

Christmas Morning Working Fire

December 27, 2016

Around 2:45 am on 12/25/16, the Company was dispatched for a working house fire in the area of Devon Ln. & Kirks Ln. in the first due. Chief Hoban (20-9) arrived first reporting heavy fire showing from the first floor of a large, 3 story, balloon-frame type house. Engine … [Read more...]

SANTA ANNOUNCEMENT

November 28, 2016

Santa Claus will be making a couple of appearances with the Drexel Hill Volunteers over the next few weeks: This Sunday night, November 27th, at 5 pm, Ladder 20 will be escorting Santa to the annual Pilgrim Gardens tree lighting ceremony in Dermond Circle. On Saturday, December … [Read more...]

Working Fire: 300-blk Owen Ave

November 18, 2016

On 11/18/16 around 12:35am Company 20 was dispatched to a house fire on the 300-blk of Owen Ave. in the first due. Engine 20-2 (A/C Stevenson) arrived to find the rear deck on fire and put an 1 3/4" handline in service. Ladder 20 (Capt. Donohue) found smoke inside the home and … [Read more...]

Accident With Entrapment: State and Clarendon Rds

November 18, 2016

On 11/17/16 around 11:20 am Rescue 20 was dispatched to a serious accident at State and Clarendon Rds. in the first due. The Rescue found a two vehicle T-Bone collision with one vehicle partially on top of another and fluids/debris on the highway. Patients were transported to the … [Read more...]

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Let’s keep it civil folks. We understand this is a touchy subject in the community and we respect all of our neighbors’ opinions.

How can anyone bitch about a fire siren? If you dont want to hear it then dont live near the fire house. That siren is a reminder of how damn lucky we all are to have people willing to volunteer to protect and serve our community! YOU VOLUNTEERS ARE TRULY AWESOME!!! Every time I hear the siren I count how many trucks I hear heading out and say a quick prayer for the safety of the families and all you firefighters too. You guys are a special group to do what you do. My brother Brian also served at that fire company since he was a teen and I couldn’t be more proud of him! Thank you for all you guys do!

GDH Fire Company #1 was part of my life, growing up right behind it on Francis St. My dad was also a volunteer in the 50s and early 60s. I am also a house fire survivor. The noise of an occasional siren is very little to deal with. The volunteers are heroes who protect our lives and our properties.

Both GDH sirens (the dual toned Federal 3T22 and the Sterling M10 when it was in service) were a major part of my roots growing up and living in Drexel Hill well into adulthood. Hearing both regularly have fostered my interest in sirens, fire apparatus and fire radio (OK I'm geeking out a bit here) I have since moved from the area but I still keep an ear out whenever I am back in D-Hill and it comforts me knowing my hometown is protected by the finest volunteers in the land. Blow your sirens loud and proud brothers, I'll be listening!

In my 15 years as a DH resident and it’s become a part of life. I’m not sure what we would do without it.

I was trapped in a 2nd floor bedroom with my parents and Grandfather as the windows in the house started exploding. We climbed onto the porch roof because we had nowhere else to go. Each time another window exploded it shook the house so much that twice my mother had to catch me from falling off the roof. We literally were holding on for dear life. In the midst of this chaos we heard the alarm start to sound and it gave us hope. These brave firefighters from Garrettford-Drexel Hill Fire Co were there within minutes and in time to save all 4 of us because they were notified by the sound of the alarm. The firefighters are 100% volunteer and 100% professional. They are very experienced and educated in dealing with these stressful situations, both physically and emotionally. If you take the alarms away, you are taking away one of their valuable tools to do their job, and you are taking something even greater away from the community... hope. Thank you again to all firefighters!! You run in as everyone else is running out.

Amen, we argue this all the time. There’s times where the siren hits before my pager or phone, hell sometimes I don’t even get the alert on my phone but the siren never fails. Seconds count.

I grew up on Verner St and that siren was a part of my life for a great number of years. The siren signals that someone needs help and the wonderful first responders are willing to put their lives on the line to help others. The siren reminds us to watch for the fire trucks and some of us will say a prayer for the victims and the first responders. I can’t understand why anyone would object to it. Thank you Garrettford- Drexel Hill Fire Company.

While we are at it, I’d like to petition the CXS train. Their whistles are far too loud. Please note my sarcasm and get over yourselves. You are really petitioning a firehouse siren? 🙄🙄🙄

I ran with this company in the late 90s had it not been for that siren not knowing my pager was dead i would not have responded to many emergencies. The siren isnt optional. Its a necessary life saving device. Everytime you hear that siren you should immediately start praying for the possible victims and for the safety of these heroes.

Who could be offended by a fire siren. It’s possibly saving a life. I live 3 blocks away and I am thankful when I hear the siren and see the selfless volunteers running to put their lives in danger to help someone else.

Oh Lordy. I grew up behind this firehouse, believe me, after awhile you don’t hear the siren. And ahem, if you don’t like the siren, move somewhere Else!

I have lived near a volunteer firehouse for the last 30 plus years! They have each had their own types of fire whistles. I relied on them to let me know when to be cautious going by the firehouse. In the case of Garretford, it was just the other day that it gave me a heads up as I was passing by. It's more than just alerting the firemen, it alerts the community that the trucks will be pulling out and the firemen will be pulling in.

Who thinks of this stuff. Why would anyone want to take the siren away. I live near a firehouse and I am glad when I hear it.

Keep the sirens, when I hear them it remind me to say a prayer for the victim(s) and the first responders!!!

The house siren is more important than residents know. Just as GDHFC said, radios don’t work everywhere, plus members out and about may not have pagers or they may be inoperable. Before moving out of Bucks county, the company I was a member at had a siren and worked more often than pagers.

Ridiculous! Why would anyone want to take away a fire siren. I’ve lived literally around the corner from the sirens my entire life and still do today even though I no longer live In Drexel Hill. I’m glad to be alerted of fires, etc. in my area; and would gladly help out with any situation if needed. This world is getting crazier by the day. 😢

I cannot believe people would actually consider signing a petition to stop the use of a siren. These firefighters risk their lives every time a call comes in and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice if need be to help their communities. They are courageous and unselfish. As a firefighter's mom I too have lived within a half of a block up to a couple of blocks from the station and can hear the siren. What comes to mind is please God be with each one and bring them home safe! Please do not sign wanting to end the siren, they need that and so do we as a community. I am sorry when you purchased your home near a station you should have thought of the noise factor. Please support them!!!! If you need to sign a petition sign the one to KEEP the siren.

I had someone knock at my door I told them I couldn’t sign I believe in the siren and have lived near the firehouse all my life. I’m sure they knew there was a firehouse when they purchased their home thx for all you do 👍

I was born on 1956 little Nabi Terrace the 1980 and that Firehouse was it part of Wildlife I remember putting pins up in the basement every neighbor that was somebody was involved with that for us let it live on forever Jack Pierce

This boggles my mind!! I love the sound of the siren as I know it means someone is being helped. Thank you to all firefighters. You do more than I could ever imagine.

I’ve lived literally next to this fire station since I moved here 16 months ago. The first time I heard it I was like are we getting attacked?! Since then it has given me 0 sleepless nights, scared me 0 times, caused me 0 migraine or headaches and 0 issues. The fact that people are crying for a warning siren to be removed is pathetic. Find something else to complain about!!!

My father has been a volunteer firefighter in Delco for 45+ years(retired). The siren is not only to alert firemen to a call it also alerts the residence that there will be firefighters coming into the station. It gives you a ‘warning’ that equipment is coming out of the station too. For the most part the siren is for residents not firefighters. #keepthesiren

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all first responders who take time away from their families to help our families when it really is needed. You all rock! Next ppl are going to want to sign a petition for church bells not to ring at 12noon. I do respect everyone’s opinion, but this is just plain ridiculous. Tbh...I’m so glad I live two blocks away and close just in case God forbid it’s my family that needs help. Keep the siren! Thank you Garrettford-Drexel Hill Fire Dept.

Thank you for your service! The siren is essential for our first responders.

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