From left, West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Matt Wilson and firefighter Don Grossman fill self-contained breathing apparatus cylinders at the fire station.

WEST SUNBURY — A hardware store in the center of town that caught fire in 1937 prompted residents to form what now is the West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department.

Extensions and hook ladders were the department's first equipment purchases, followed by a fire truck.

“Street fairs were held before and after the purchase of the truck to pay for it,” says Chief Reid Campbell. “Some things never change.”

Today, the fire department is still funded by fundraising and donations as well as a property tax.

The department continues to upgrade its equipment.

In 1996, it bought a new pumper, and built the body out of stainless steel. That was done in hopes to get more years out of the truck.

This year, the department replaced that 1996 truck with a 2014 Spartan Fire Chassis, and it was able to use the stainless steel body from the 1996 truck, saving $200,000.

The department has added foam solution to the water it uses to increase wetness. This is relatively new technology in firefighting.

The department wants to be current and has the foam on three of its vehicles.“The members of our department are no different from members from any other station,” notes Campbell. “Business professional, truck driver, farmer or housewife … they all hear the call for help from the person in need and feel they can make a difference.”The West Sunbury department, like other departments, is in need of volunteer firefighters, grant writers, accountants, public relations professionals, fire police and auxiliary members. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the department.Contact informationAddress: P.O. Box 143, 772 Hall Road, West SunburyStation nonemergency phone: 724-637-3197Chief: Reid Campbell

From left, volunteer firefighters Jessica Jackson and Adam Jackson practice using West Sunbury's thermal imaging camera. The department is in need of volunteers.