Erie Fire Department To The Rescue

Security-Peoples Trust ad by A. Hintenach.

Erie Firefighters have been saving lives and property for almost 190 years. the Erie Active Fire Company was formed in 1826, followed by the Red Jacket Company No. 1 in 1837 and Perry Eagle in 1839.

By 1890 there were seven fire houses in Erie, PA with four steamers, six hose wagons, one hook and ladder and one chemical engine- all pulled by 35 horses. There were 63 men on the job, fighting fires with a 25 foot ladder and 12,600 feet of 2.5" hose.  

The department answered 108 alarms in 1894.

Find more historic facts and old photos of Erie, Pennsylvania at Old Time Erie (or Old Tim Erie if autocorrect takes over.)

Rad-O-Lite RELCO Emergency Lights

Old Time Erie - 1971 ad for RELCO.

Remember the white light at the top of the traffic lights in Erie, PA that would blink when triggered by an emergency vehicle? Police, fire and ambulances drivers could with on this system at major intersections. The only problem? It was very confusing to tourists passing through Erie who did not have this system in their town. Under ideal conditions, drivers would see the blinking white light, hear the sirens and pull over to the right side of the road, clearing a path for the police car or fire truck. This system was marketed by the Radio Emergency Light Co (RELCO) under the name Rad-O-Lite. The company was located at 3427 Sterrettania Road in Millcreek Twp.

This system no longer exists, but I wish there was something like it, especially at East 12th and East Avenue and East 12th and the Bayfront Connector. Too many close calls there for me.

Enjoy more historical facts and photos of Erie, PA at: oldtimeerie.blogspot.com