Bellmawr Park Volunteer Fire Company
Protecting Lives And Property Since 1942
63 years of Dedicated Service

Bellmawr Park was built during the Second World War by the Federal Government to house workers that were employed in the defense industry, New York ship, etc. The Federal Government managed the house project until it was purchased by the tenants and became the Bellmawr Park Mutual House Corporation. Because of the times, this community, like others had a strong civil defense organization. Eleven of the civil defense fire wardens became charter members of what we know as Station 33.

In the spring of 1942, there was a fire in a coal box that was attached to what is now known as 772 Carter Avenue (then Edgemont Avenue). This fire was extinguished by the Civil Defense Fire Warden with a garden hose. After the Carter Avenue fire, the warden felt the need for a Fire Department on the west side of town to assist the existing Bellmawr Fire Department that was, and is now, on the east side of town. They met with the Mayor and expressed their feelings. The Mayor stated that if they could supply the facilities to house a new department, he would supply a truck.

The Civil Defense Fire Warden met with the administrators of the government housing project and described their purpose and needs. The administrators, realizing the need, and provided two W.P.A. shacks, necessary land, and utilities that would be required. The “shack” were assembled and a 1920’s Vintage Reno fire truck was delivered. The Bellmawr Park Volunteer Fire Company was organized by the eleven fire wardens in November of 1942 and became a corporation on November 4, 1943. Our f
irst President was John J. Sipple, and our first Fire Chief was Mike Bruno. The Bellmawr Park Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary was incorporated in 1945. The First President of the Auxiliary was
Sue Sipple.

The years that followed were a lot of work and a lot of fun. The firemen and ladies worked well together. In 1946 a new Ward LaFrance Pumper was purchased. The Ladies Auxiliary supplied the rear lights for this truck. Looking forward, the members started a scrap drive to fund operations and expansion. On Saturdays mornings, members used a Ford Model A truck and Ford Model B truck to collect newspapers and other items that could be sold.

In the 1950’s, construction began on a new firehouse that was to replace the original building. This continued with constant improvements, additions, sweat, blood, and many tears. The 1950’s also brought bingo, a 1948 American LaFrance Pumper, a new 1958 Oren Pumper, and a new 1959 Ford/Great Eastern Utility truck. In the 1960’s a new 1963 Oren pumper and a used 1947 American Lafrance Ladder truck were purchased. In the 1970’s a new 1971 Imperial pumper and a new 1978 Pierce Mini Pumper were purchased.

On June 13, 1979, disaster struck, fire consumed our station. The members saved the apparatus and
 a few momentous. A bronze plaque of the firemen’s prayer that was presented to the members by the Ladies Auxiliary in 1973 was twisted and discolored by the intense heat of the fire. Most of the discoloration has been removed from this plaque and it is now part of the memorial that was dedicated
in memory of our deceased members in 1990. The members elected not to straighten it, but to have its distorted form be a reminder of our heritage. Another thing that survived the fire is an antique safe that is still in use. It probably dates from the late 1800’s. One thing that surely was not lost in the fire was the Bellmawr Park Volunteer Fire Company “SPIRIT”. The new building was erected and dedicated in
just one year. This is a tribute to the Officers and Members that served at that time. Dedication was on
June 14, 1980.

The 1980’s brought new challenges that were met. A new 1982 Grumman/Fire Spire 106 foot aerial ladder truck was purchased, a new 1988 18’ Starcraft boat, a new 1988 Hahn 1500 GPM pumper,
 and a new 1988 Crown Victory Duty Vehicle.

In 1990’s the fire company celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 3, 1992. We added a few apparatus: a new 1992 Utility vehicle, a new 1994 E-One 100’ aerial ladder truck, a 1999 new 3D/Spartan 2000 GPM pumper, and a 1999 Ford 15 passenger van. The 1982 ladder truck, 1992 utility vehicle, and the 1971 Imperial were sold. In 1991, the Fire Explorers program was formed. This has been a great addition to the fire company. The Explorers work and train with the firefighters, but have limited duties and learn about the fire company business.

The new century has brought many chances to the fire service. In the 80’s the number of incidents averaged around 100 to 200. The 90’s averaged around 250 to 350. The number of incidents that we responded to in 2004 was 535 incidents. Other chances that we have seen in the fire service are terrorism, mandatory training, thermal imaging cameras, and less volunteers members. Our organization still operate with 100% Volunteers and is funded by renting our social hall and with the support of the generous residents on our fund drives. In January 2004, after 64 years we stopped hosting bingo. As we look back into our history, we can only say one thing to our past and retired members thank you.