Reading Fire Department

Reading Fire Department
Operational area
Country  United States
State  Pennsylvania
City Reading
Agency overview[1][2][3]
Established March 17, 1773 (1773-03-17)
Employees 126 (2016)
Annual budget $17,521,285 (2015)
Fire chief William Stoudt
IAFF 1803
Facilities and equipment[4]
Stations 7
Engines 5
Tillers 2
Platforms 1
Rescues 1
Ambulances 4
Wildland 2
Rescue boats 1
Website
Official website

The Reading Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency medical services to the city of Reading, Pennsylvania.[5] The department is responsible for approximately 10 square miles (26 km2) with a population of just under 90,000 as of the 2013 United States Census Bureau estimate.[6]

History

The Reading Fire Department was formed on March 17, 1773 as a volunteer fire department known as the Rainbow Volunteer Fire Company.[7] By 1914 the department had grown to include 14 separate volunteer companies. Today, the department operates out of 7 fire stations, including 1 EMS Station. The department's volunteer scuba rescue team responds to water emergencies in the Schuylkill River as well as other bodies of water within the city and neighboring communities.[8]

Beginning in April 2011 Engine's 13 and 14 were disbanded due to budget cuts.[9] Starting June 30, 2015 the city will also be disbanding its non-emergency transport division which had been available to assist in transporting those confined to a wheeled chair.[10]

Stations and apparatus

As of June 2015 below is a complete list of the stations and apparatus.[4]

Neighborhood Engine Ladder Special Command
Center CityEngine 1
Central WestEngine 3 Ladder 1 (Tiller)Brush 3 Deputy Chief
North EastEngine 9 Ladder 3 (Tiller)
North West Engine 7 Brush 2, Ambulance 6, Foam Trailer
MCI Trailer, Rescue Boat
South Central Tower 1 Rescue 1 Platoon Chief
18th WardEngine 5
Center City Medic 1, Medic 2, Medic 3, Medic 4

References

  1. ↑ "Call Statistics". Reading PA Fire. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  2. ↑ "2015 City Budget Position Listing". City of Reading PA. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  3. ↑ "2015 City Budget Expenditures". City of Reading PA. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  4. 1 2 "Stations & Apparatus". Reading PA Fire. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  5. ↑ "About Us". Reading PA Fire. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  6. ↑ "Population Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2014-06-11.
  7. ↑ "History". Reading PA Fire. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  8. ↑ Kahl, Jason (15 May 2012). "Reading Scuba Rescue Team: Going below and beyond the call". Reading Eagle. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  9. ↑ "2 Engine Companies Disbanded". Reading PA Fire. 31 March 2011. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  10. ↑ Spatz, Don (21 April 2015). "Reading to end nonemergency transportation service for people in wheelchairs". Reading Eagle. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
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