The Union Fire Co. #1, a.k.a. Blackwood Terrace Fire Company, was organized on April 10 & 11, 1915 by the residents of Deptford Township, from areas known as Blackwood Terrace, Linwood Grove, Linwood Heights, and Garden City, to provide fire protection in their region.
The first officers elected were as follows:
- President - J.C. Brown
- Vice President - George Quinn
- Secretary - Ira Quesinbury
- Treasurer - Hugh Boyle
- Fire Chief - Frank L. Night
The first fire station was erected and occupied on August 26, 1916 on a plot of land donated by August and Mary Bayer. The cost to construct this station was $155.75.
The first Ladies Auxiliary meeting took place in June 1917.
The first fire fighting equipment was purchased on July 28, 1917, consisting of 6 fire buckets and 6 shovels.
The first fire apparatus was purchased Feb. 26, 1919, this was a Chemical Wagon manufactured by American LaFrance Fire Equipment Co., at a cost of $1400.00.
The first fire fighter protection equipment was purchased on Feb. 27, 1924, which consisted of coats and helmets.
Additional dates of interest are:
- March 12, 1924 - the purchase of a Ford Motor Co. fire patrol.
- November 3, 1924 - the purchase of a Howe Pumper for $1035.00.
- May 21, 1929 - the purchase of 1 ½ ton Ford chassis from Ace Motor Sales.
- Feb. 20, 1932 - the original fire station was destroyed by fire, the trucks were saved.
- Sept. 20, 1932 - a new block building was erected where the wooden one stood, cost of construction $3100.00.
- Nov. 12, 1942 - a 3500 gallon Ford Tanker was purchased and modified by the members for fire service.
- 1947- a Dodge Pumper was purchased.
- April 13, 1951 - a 1951 Ford fire apparatus was purchased, this was a 500gpm unit.
- 1953 - A 1953 Diamond “T” fire apparatus was purchased, this was a 500gpm unit.
- 1959 - The purchase of the 1959 GMC chassis and 750gpm pump. Put into action the construction of our 1500 gallon Tanker Pumper known as “The Mule”.
- July 15, 1965 - a Mack C-94 1000gpm Pumper was purchased. This was the last company purchased apparatus.
- Nov. 14, 1967 - a new fire station was dedicated on the site across from the old station (see the video below!).
- 1978 - an addition was added to the station, which doubled the apparatus room and included a hose drying tower.
- April 1971 - 1971 Imperial 1250 gpm Pumper.
- 1976 - 1976 Ford F150 Brush unit with 250 gpm pump package.
- 1990 - 1986 Hendrickson Rescue truck.
- 1997 - 1997 KME 1500 gpm Pumper.
- 2006 - 2006 SVI Heavy Rescue.
