JERMYN, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Crystal Fire Company in Jermyn is celebrating a major milestone: 140 years of service. The all-volunteer department has evolved over the years, responding to emergencies not just in their hometown, but across Lackawanna, Wayne, and Susquehanna counties.
Crystal Fire Company is one of the oldest volunteer firefighter companies in the state.
Members say the key to their longevity is community support and the dedication of their volunteers.
"Commitment, that's the big thing," said Crystal Fire Company No. 1 Captain James Allan.
For 140 years, the Crystal Fire Company has been answering the call, helping neighbors in times of crisis, no matter the hour.
"Great bunch of guys that go out to calls all over. Basically, we were in the town here, but we do a lot of mutual aid for other towns and townships throughout the valley," Crystal Fire Company No. 1 President John Frankosky stated.
A lot has changed since the fire company was first established in 1885.
Modern training, new equipment, and evolving firefighting techniques have helped them keep up with the growing demands.
"You'll see we have a 100-year-old truck that's in the back there, compared to what we have today, it's amazing," President Frankosky explained.
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Like many volunteer fire companies, recruiting new members has been a challenge, but efforts are underway to bring in the next generation.
"We're getting more junior members. We have a cadet program with junior members and we're starting to fill some of those positions, you know step by step, little at a time. They'll grow into a full member at one point," Frankosky continued.
But one thing that hasn't changed for more than a century: Backing from the community.
"To support the company by helping us raise funds but also at the same time, it's like a community event, people come here and they hang out, they see what's going on, they wanna see who the new people are," Captain Allan said.
"We need that support to make our day-to-day operations go, and so we can be there for somebody's worst day," Captain Allan added.
The company hopes to continue recruiting new volunteers to carry on the legacy for generations to come.
"Hopefully the volunteers keep coming in, and we keep getting the community support, the towns support and we are here for another 140 years and we keep it going," Captain Allan continued.
The company is marking the occasion with a celebration in May to thank the community for its role in keeping them strong for a century more than a century.
