ABOUT

The first regular meeting of The Volunteer Fire Company of Akron, Pennsylvania – Station 12 was held at the west Akron schoolhouse (currently area of Akron Lutheran Church) on February 7, 1893. The order of business was to authorize the spending of $892.00 for the purchase of a hand pumper. This firsthand pumper was on display at the Landis Valley Farm Museum. The original 1893 minutes books are currently held at the fire company.

The department's first due coverage area covers about two square miles encompassing all of Akron Borough along with parts of Ephrata Township. The fire company also regularly provides mutual aid assistance to an area of about 14.5 square miles encompassing Ephrata Borough, Ephrata, West Earl and Warwick Townships. 45 individual firefighters responded to emergency calls in 2019. In addition, we have around 15 active support members who help in non-emergency functions of the department. The department averages about 100 emergency calls per year, or one call about every three days. Training is varied and widely encompassing, covering subjects from fire suppression to leadership and management. Other trainings include vehicle, rope, other rescue functions and hazardous materials mitigation.

The fire company prides itself in its community involvement and can be found either hosting or participating in most all community-based events with Ephrata Area School District, the borough and townships we cover and local non-profits as well as our local business community. This community involvement is critical to our department as it is solely our community that allows us to exist. Without the support of our customers and business leaders, the department would close since no direct tax dollars are used to fund us. ln normal years you can find at least one if not several fundraisers going on to support Akron Volunteer Fire Company. The department also has an active auxiliary group which plans and executes fund raisers throughout the year. We also have people who may not be members but enjoy coming round just to pitch in and be part of the larger community we serve. We look forward to these interactions and welcome all who have a willingness to be part of something bigger than themselves.

As with funding, the department would not exist if the members of our local community did not step up and volunteer their time and services. Across the nation, the numbers of volunteers in emergency services are at such a low point that in many communities you may call 911 and nobody will come to help you. Female or male, you can join Akron Volunteer Fire Company as young as 14 years old. You may think you do not have what it "takes" to be a firefighter; that is wrong. The only thing that it "takes" is your willingness to serve and desire to try and do your best. The only reason Akron Volunteer Fire Company has existed for over 125 years is because our community stepped up when called.

Whether you give of yourself or your finances, you are the only reason why there is a fire company. Talk to any member about how you can serve your community. Come see us in action any Tuesday night. Send your donations to our mailing address or respond to our annual fund drive. Support our many fundraisers either in person or on our Facebook account. There is a place for you no matter who you are.