About Us

Our Story

White Horse Fire & EMS Company is a 100% volunteer-led, non-profit organization dedicated to serving the village of White Horse in Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

As a company of more than 60 active men and women, we strive to provide selfless, professional, and compassionate care to make our community a safer and healthier place to live.

Every day, our company steps forward with courage, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to service. From structure and house fires to vehicle accidents and medical emergencies, our trained volunteers are there when you need us, responding to about 1,000 calls per year. Dedicating hundreds of hours to rigorous training, we arrive ready to face each challenge without hesitation because every second counts.

White Horse Fire & EMS Company is dispatched by Lancaster County 911. We provide mutual aid assistance to companies in Lancaster, Chester, and Berks counties.

Coverage Area

White Horse Fire & EMS serves Salisbury Township, a primarily rural community located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Included in this area are single-family homes, mobile homes, small businesses, a retirement community, a medical center, churches, schools, campgrounds, farmlands, recreational areas, and woodlands. Parts of Money Rocks County Park and parts of the New Holland Borough Reservoir watershed also fall within this jurisdiction.

View Coverage Area Map

History

Serving Salisbury Township since 1914

The need for a fire company was realized after the historic White Horse Fire ravaged the community on September 13, 1913. What started as a small group of dedicated citizens has grown to include over 60 first responders and volunteers and a fleet of three ambulances and four fire vehicles.

The history of White Horse Fire & EMS Company is dedicated in honor and memory of Mr. John Hostetter (need title, dates served) who made the ultimate sacrifice for the Salisbury Township Fire Company #1 on July 16, 1932.

The White Horse Fire

On September 13, 1913, Mrs. Mason Axe saw children fleeing Harry Sweigart’s Barn. Glowing flames licked up from the roof and sounded the fire alarm. The neighborhood rallied with bucket brigades, but to everyone’s frustration and horror the strong southeast wind carried the enormous sparks 500 feet west and across Route 340. The blazing fire landed at the barn of the White Horse Inn.

Calls for help went to nearby fire companies in Gap, Intercourse, Blue Ball, New Holland, and Terre Hill. Only the stations from Intercourse and Gap were able to reach the scene fast enough to perform active service. The other companies arrived too late. J.T. Sellers [what was his title at the time?] loaded the Gap pumper on his Ford truck and took off for White Horse. Two more engines from the Gap station followed behind.

The prolonged dry weather, the southeast wind, and the frame construction that was common at the time caused three houses, seven barns, a carriage house, and some straw stacks to burn in just a few short hours. Devastation and exhaustion were widespread. In a few hours the landscape of the tiny village of White Horse was drastically changed. But what did not change was the sense of hard work and neighborliness that characterized the community – that spirit of neighbors helping neighbors guided untrained citizens to fight the ravenous fire and then immediately rebuild their community. And it’s that same spirit that inspires our team to serve today.

Timeline

100 Years of History

1914-1919

1914: The shock of the White Horse Fire on September 13, 1913 gave rise to the community’s first fire company, Salisbury Township Fire Company #1 The first organizational meeting was held on January 17, 1914 at the Salisbury Township High School. The company’s charter was approved by the Lancaster County Courts on February 24, 1914 with 242 charter members each contributing at least $1.00 to the newly formed company.
The fire company elected Adam Kurtz as their first Fire Chief. Assistant Fire Chiefs were also elected to serve the five villages that would each house a chemical tank:

  • White Horse: John Reihl & Frank Seldombridge, Jr.
  • Spring Garden: William E. Robinson & Edwin Mentzer
  • Cains: John Oberholtzer & Frank Wright
  • Keystone: Milton M. Slaymaker & Henry Stoltzfus
  • Springville: Park J. Bair & Albert Reeser

Five Type #85 hand drawn chemical fire engines were purchased from Obenchain & Buyer for $250.00 each, fully equipped. These engines were strategically placed with one in White Horse and the other four in the surrounding villages Salisbury Township (Keystone, Springville, Cains, and Spring Garden). These chemical tanks were placed on a two-wheel cart that could be pulled by hand or placed on a vehicle.

Bob Reed recalled pulling the White Horse engine to a barn fire at Chester Dunlap’s. The engine was no match for the flames and made little impact. However, during the October 10, 1914 meeting, the Keystone team reported that their engine worked fine against a smokehouse fire at Brackbill’s.

These early years were defined by growth, hard-earned knowledge, and remarkable courage. Guided by an unwavering commitment to serve the community, the volunteer fire company pressed forward despite their challenges – little to no funding, scarce resources, and limited gear. Yet, these obstacles never deterred them.

1916:  The company reported a $86.42 profit from the 1916 festival.

1918: A fire whistle was bought for $15.00 and mounted on Dr. Hostetter’s house. 

1922: The company set out to obtain automobile chassis that would allow two or more chemical tanks to be mounted providing a more efficient and speedy method to fight fires. The company also purchased their first smoke masks.

On February 25th it was decided to move the Springville engine to White Horse to be mounted on chassis where it would remain as a second engine. In April, three Ford Model T Chassis were purchased each with two 45-gallon chemical tanks mounted on them. In addition to the chassis in White Horse, one would be assigned to Spring Garden and the other to Cains. These Model T’s had a seat in the front, and a seat in the back with a ¾” hose, and were effective in extinguishing chimney and grass fires and providing a good start in saving lives, livestock, and property. When someone mixed the soda and acid in the tanks, it activated the process, and the mixture came out fast until it was gone – when you charged it, you used it.

1925: On September 28, a committee was formed to look into getting a new “chemical and pumping” engine.

1926: The Salisbury Township Fire Company #1 was admitted to membership in the Lancaster County Firemen’s Association in February.

Land was purchased for $7482.65 in April in White Horse for the construction of a new firehouse. White Horse gained a 1925 Reo Pumper and the Model T chemical engine was moved to South Hermitage.

1929: On February 11, a bid was received to equip the White Horse Fire House with a single phase 3HP siren. It was decided to build a new firehouse before buying a siren. July 1, met with the Gap Fire Co. to set response areas in Salisbury Twp.

1930: The Cains engine is reported to be “in very poor condition” by Mr. Marvin Stern. Stern reports that he had put the engine in “first class condition” several times, but that “someone always undoes his efforts to keep it in this condition”

A group is formed to visit local area fire halls to get ideas for the development of a new station in White Horse. After giving a report in April, the group is officially reformed as the Building Committee.

1931: On February 9, he first Relief Association check was received for $50.62. In July, a second-hand car is purchased for $107.50. The vehicle serves as a squad unit so that “men and hose could be hauled to a fire.”

1932: The February 8 meeting “ended in confusement” when it was agreed to disagree about the size of the new fire hall and the amount of money necessary to finance it.

In March, the Cains engine is recalled to White Horse after receiving what is decided as abuse of the equipment. is ordered removed and brought back to White Horse, due to the abuse the equipment receives at Cains. Plans for the new White Horse fire hall are approved on May 9.

The company’s only department related death to date occurs on July 16, 1932. After the 1932 carnival, Clyde McKillips and John Hostetter took the event proceeds to the bank. According to John’s son, John H., there was a fellow at the fair who could not find his car. This signaled to folks that there was a robbery afoot. Clyde gathered the money in the cash box and went to get John who had become sick and went home to rest in bed.

Clyde needed a steady, dependable man to go with him to the bank and called upon John. Clyde had placed a pistol on top of the money in the box. John had his “piece” with him as well. As they arrived at the bank, Clyde tripped, dropped the box, and the gun discharged, striking John Hostetter in the stomach with a fatal wound. John Hostetter was 28 years old and left a wife and three children.

1933: On October 12, the construction of the new fire hall commenced.

1934: On February 12, the first company meeting is held in the new fire hall.

1935: A small electrical system is installed in the fire hall, with the bill being $2.13 a month.

1939: A siren for the fire house was bought from Earl Brooks of Coatesville for $200.00.

1943: Facing the global conflicts of World War II and widespread gas rationing, the company decides to limit business meetings to twice per year.

1944: L. Ross Parmer joins the company. This begins over 65 years of continuous service to the White Horse Fire Company.

1946: On January 14, monthly meetings resume following the conclusion of World War II. The 1925 Reo pumper is sold for $193.40 in November.

1948: Ross Parmer is elected as Fire Chief on April 12.

1949: On March 21, the company decides to buy a TV set to chance off at the annual festival. In June, the membership age is dropped from 18 to 14, with written parental approval.

1950: The annual community festivals, a company tradition since the beginning, are discontinued in favor of soliciting support through fund drives.

1951: On June 11 it was decided to send the engine to Honey Brook’s parade, and to buy a light plant that included two large flood lights, two small lights and 400 feet of cable for $600.00.

In October, the idea of adding the first ambulance to the company is discussed.

On December 10, Amos Ebersol presents a glass painting to the fire company. The painting remains on display today at the present fire station.

1952: The company votes to get a 500 GPM hale pump installed on the engine. In May, the company decides to lock the fire hall and hand out keys. Later that year, the first vehicle radio was used at Babe Marshall’s on Springville Road in the Welsh Mountain 

1953: Lancaster County Fire Marshall, Paul Knier, joins the White Horse company to discuss Civil Defense. A two-way radio is install on the engine for a cost of $255.00.

On September 14, the company joins the Zone 4 Fireman’s Association. 

1954: On March 8, the company decides to expand the fire hall, adding another engine bay and kitchen to the west side of the building.

1956: On February 13, tanker is first discussed – 13 votes in favor and 9 against, all voted for used chassis. Chassis bought from Lloyd Welk from Georgetown, for $500.00. It was a 1948 Reo, with a 1953 motor installed. Ross Parmer volunteered to make the tanker body in his shop. In August, the company approved the purchase of a two-way radio for Tanker for $255.00. The final cost of the Tanker was approximately $2400.00.

1957: First Fire Police are appointed in September. 

1958: The company’s first ambulance service starts on March 10 with a vote of 15 in favor and 13 opposed. The ambulance is purchased from the Honey Brook Fire Company for $250.00. Ironically, the ambulance purchased was Honey Brook’s first ambulance.

The first ambulance call was dispatched on May 15 for a heart problem.

1960: The team approves the purchase of a new 250 gallon per minute pump/1400-gallon tanker in October.     

1961: The new tanker is in service on February 27.

1962: A second remote button for the fire siren is installed at Kurtz’s Store in town. Community members could call the store signaling them to blow the siren.

1963: On January 14, the company votes to get Chief Parmer a two-way radio for his truck. A 35-foot extension ladder was also purchased that year.

In October, it was approved to install base station at hall. Call sign assigned was KCU-214.

1966: On November 14, a new engine was ordered for a cost of $16,281.00.

The White Horse Tug-O-War team wins the championship at the New Holland Farm Show!

1967: May 20 kicks off the first annual community BBQ providing a profit of $589.89. The BBQ remains a cherished tradition to this day.

1968: The White Horse Tug-O-War team wins the championship at the New Holland Farm Show again!

1970: The company votes to sell the 1946 Reo.

1971: The 1946 Reo finally sells for $400.00.

1972: On January 10, the company agrees to purchase one exhaust fan and two SCBA’s. On June 22 Hurricane Agnes causes widespread flooding and the company jumps in to help the community pumping out basements.

1973: The company joins Lancaster County central alerting officially going on line on August 1.

1974: In March the company approves a revolving roof red light for each fire truck. On December 10, it was announced that Salisbury Township now has an ordinance against “black smoke” fires.

1975: Willis Kurtz is elected Fire Chief, stepping in when Chief Parmer falls ill. On October 13, the company approves a telephone to be installed in the fire hall.

1976: On June 14, a new house siren is installed. A 1973 Cadillac Ambulance is purchased from the Willow Street Fire Company

1978: On September 17 land is purchased from the Pequea Valley School District at 111 White Horse Road for $16,744.00. A modern fire hall is built on what was an old playground for the Salisbury Township High School.

1980: Construction of the new fire station is completed on April 1. The first company business meeting is held in the new station on November 10 when it was decided to hold separate fire and ambulance meetings due to increased ambulance activity.

EMS faces staffing shortages and a discussion around disbanding ensues. Carol McGolliam, a registered nurse at nearby Lancaster General Hospital, steps in to help the company continue their emergency services.  

1981: Carol McGolliam partners with the EMS company to organize formal first aid training. With the dedication and support of Carol, the EMS company is restabilized.

The old fire hall is sold to a Mr. Wood.

The fire company moves from “first-come-first serve” scheduling to on-duty schedules. This format further improves reliability and response time.   

1982: On January 11, Kenneth Eberly is elected treasurer; a position Ken would hold until he stepped down in January 2007.

A needle work picture of the fire hall is given to the company on February 8 by Mrs. Mark Beyer and remains on display today.

1983: In March a 5300 watt-generator is purchased. In August, the Zone 4 Firemen’s Association is disbanded. Responsibilities are transferred to the Zone 4 Fire Chiefs Association. A new tanker committee formed in September.

1984: A new tanker is ordered in March. The White Horse Ladies Auxiliary donates $12,500.00 to the purchase of the tanker.

1985: The company repaints the 1967 pumper and sells the old tanker for $2,325.00.

1986: Four portable radios are purchased for the Fire Police. Two quartz lights for each engine and a second exhaust fan are also ordered. In April, White Horse and Gap agree to each pay half for the purchase of a new air cascade system to be installed at White Horse where it will be shared by both companies.

1987: An office is built in the fire hall on March 9. In December, the water tank in the 1979 Ford was replaced.

1988: Chief Parmer mandates all personnel wear rubber gloves when on accident calls to prevent the spread of bloodborne disease.

On May 9, the first foam firefighting equipment is purchased. In September, the company also approves the purchase of a 1989 Ford E/One engine for a cost of $110,000.00 and 1989 Ford/Road rescue Ambulance for $44,000.00.

1989: In January, the 1967 Ford sells for $2,100.00.

1990: EMS trucks achieve PA state licensure as part of the company’s commitment to meet statewide training standards and equipment upgrades.

The fire company moves to the use of Four-Foot Large Diameter Hose. In May, approval is passed to build a roof over the BBQ pits. A flagpole erected in front of the fire hall in June.

1991: In March, the company approves to get Winross Trucks to sell. Lancaster County CAD system goes online on July 19. On September 9 men were no longer permitted to ride the back step on the trucks going to fires.

A new generator was installed on the 1989 Ford in November.

A local antiques dealer donates a 1936 STFC carnival poster to the company.

1992: On January 13, a third Assistant Fire Chief position added. In February, the company approved to change response to have both engines respond on MVAs. A 2500-gallon port a tank is bought for Tanker 4-9.

1993: A 1993 Ford E-One Ambulance is bought for $68,000.00 and a new engine was approved for purchase.

1994: Lancaster County 911 moves to Manheim on August 29. In December, the fire company and ambulance each donate $1,000.00 to the Ladies Auxiliary for their food trailer.

1995: The third Assistant Fire Chief position is eliminated. In December, the company votes to get a carbon dioxide sensing meter.

A larger EMS association proposes the acquisition of White Horse EMS. After thoughtful consideration, an a near unanimous vote, the team maintains their independent operation allowing them to remain fully committed to community service.  

1996: On February 12, pas Assistant Chief Elam Riehl is presented with a plaque commemorating his years of service.

John Spotts Jr. donates an American flag to the company in memory of his father, John Spotts. 

A new generator for the ’89 pumper is ordered and a 1996 new tanker is ordered. The old tanker is sold to Airville in York County.

1997: The motor on the ’89 Ford engine blows during a fire in Gap in March.

Jim Griel resigns as Deputy Fire Chief on May 12 following his move out of the area. He is presented with a plaque of appreciation and is replaced by Rodney Gossert. John Beyer replaces Rodney as Assistant Chief.

1998: New Scott Self Contained Breathing Apparatus are purchased. Ross Parmer announces his retirement from the office of Fire Chief in October.

1999: Ross Parmer steps down as Fire Chief and is named Fire Chief Emeritus by President John Beyer. Rodney Gossert is elected as the new Fire Chief.

On April 12, the company begins the discussion of adding on to the station. Building plans are received from the architect in December.

2000: In August, a tradition is broken as the first sets of khaki colored firefighting gear are purchased replacing the traditional black. However, the complete phase-out of black gear won’t be complete until 2007.

A five-way manifold for water supply is ordered and two thermal imaging cameras are purchased by Salisbury Township. One goes to Gap, one goes to White Horse.

2001: The nation is devastated by the 9-11 terrorist attacks. The tragedies usher in new training requirements for fire departments across the county.

2002: Salisbury Township installs lights on the apparatus that will change red traffic lights to green during an emergency.

2003: New announcement signs are ordered for in front of the fire hall and on Route 340. The company approves to buy a new 2004 Pierce pumper to replace the ’89 E-One.

2004: The all-volunteer company receives non-profit organization status in December. A updated water purification system is purchased for the station and new requirements for members to drive the trucks are instituted.

2005: Lancaster County begins digital paging as a secondary means of notification to the traditional tone and voice pagers.

2006: The company launches their first website in August.

The purchase of a new Tempest TB 400 16-inch bar chain saw and a second thermal imaging camera is approved. A Pyrocap foam system, rescue struts, and rescues cribbing is added to Engine 4-9-1.

Nearby Bart Township is struck with tragedy during the Nickel Mines School Shooting on October 2. The White Horse ambulance travels to provide emergency support. As the community’s need for EMS expands, the company instates on-duty scheduling for the ambulance.  

2007: The company partners with Firehouse Solutions to develop a new and improved new website. The new site launches on May 14.

2008: After one year in operation the updated website has received over 73,000 visitors.

In March, White Horse EMS celebrates 50 years of service to the community. An industrial-grade washing machine is purchased so that turnout gear can be washed in the firehouse, instead of it being taken out to be done.

The company is awarded a state grant in the amount of $19,000.00 for the purchase and construction of a new squad truck. In October, they begin production of the new squad/brush truck to be named Squad 4-9.

The company loses two long-term members: Ladies Auxiliary President, Nancy Wallace passes away on November 8; while Fire Chief Emeritus, Ross Parmer passes away on December 26. The new Squad 4-9 truck is dedicated to both members by the company at the annual Christmas Banquet on December 10.

The new Life Member designation is approved to honor those who give 20 or more consecutive years of service with the company. 

2009: Squad 4-9 is placed into service on January 1. It is announced at the January meeting that additional state grants in the amounts of $9500.00 and $4900.00 are received to purchase Squad 4-9’s brushfire skid unit and AED’s for Squad 4-9 and Ambulance 4-9, respectively.

In memory of Fire Chief Emeritus, Ross Parmer, the company votes to retire the “FP4-9-1” call sign. Later in the year, the Fire Chief mandates that all members wear reflective safety vests while operating on all highway incidents, unless engaged in active fire suppression.

2010: The company receives a large influx of new Junior Firefighters, new Junior Firefighter guidelines are created and instituted.

New MSA self-contained breathing apparatus are purchased to replace all of the 12 year old Scott air-packs at the cost of $65,500.00. A new self-contained breathing air compressor/cascade filling station system is purchased for the firehouse at the cost of $41,000.00.

2011: Salisbury Township issues a new burning ordinance placed into effect by the Township Supervisors. The change increases the company’s dispatches to trash fires, as open burning is now greatly reduced.

The Federal Communications Commission approves frequencies for Lancaster County’s new public safety radio system.

2012: Squad 4-9 will now respond to all Cardiac Arrest calls. The committee is formed to look into and ultimately replace the 1994 Engine 4-9-2 pumper.

In August, Lancaster County 911 revamps all fire company identification numbers in the county. The company transitions from Station 4-9 to Station 49.

2013: The January meeting marks the induction of the new Board of Directors system of administration for the company. The former Trustees are now called the Facilities Committee.

In March, a committee is formed to oversee the company’s 100th Anniversary celebration. In August, it is approved to replace the 1994 pumper with a new 2014 Pierce pumper, to be designated Engine 49-2, at a cost of $571,000.00. In September it is announced that Salisbury Townships new ISO rating is 7.

2014: On January 1, the new EMS station numbers for Lancaster County go into service. The White Horse ambulance goes from Ambulance 4-9 to Ambulance 49-1.

In February marks 100 years of service to the community for the fire company. A community-wide Anniversary celebration is held at the firehouse on July 12. The event is blessed with wonderful weather and is well attended.

The 1994 pumper is sold and leaves White Horse for a new home in Arkansas. The new 2014 pumper arrives in early July.

WHITE HORSE FIRE & EMS

FAQs

We are a 100% all-volunteer fire and EMS company. No members of our team receive financial compensation for their time, this includes when they are responding to emergency calls, participating in community events, or during essential training.

We are proud to be a community-minded team driven by the belief that neighbors help neighbors.

No, our company does not receive tax funding. We rely on the generosity and support of community donations and fundraising events to maintain our station, fire trucks, ambulances, and equipment.

Yes, on occasion. The state of Pennsylvania offers several programs to volunteer fire companies and first responders. Our company has been fortunate to receive grant funding, however, these resources are never guaranteed and are often designated for specific purchases such as specialized gear or apparatuses.

Every contribution – big or small – helps to make our community safer.

We hold two annual Fund Drives by mail and host several community fundraising events including our annual White Horse 5K & 10K. Additional contributions are always welcome. Local businesses can also show their support through annual sponsorships.

White Horse Fire & EMS Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and contributions are tax-deductible as permitted by federal guidelines.

Call volume varies year-to-year and includes a range of emergencies like home and barn fires to vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and much more. Our station remains staffed 24/7 to provide rapid emergency response when it’s needed most.

Yes, our team is committed to helping our community stay safe. Our trained first responders lead a variety of emergency response classes throughout the year including first-aid, CPR, and fire safety education.

Yes, we always enjoy welcoming groups to the station to learn about safety, see our equipment up close, and meet our team. Contact us to schedule a tour

Yes, in many cases we can provide standby fire or EMS support during community events depending on the availability of our team. Contact us in advance to discuss your event and how we can help.

No, our station is not equipped to service extinguishers.

Fire hydrants are essential for keeping our community safe. Maintaining at least three feet of clearance around the hydrant ensures it can be accessed quickly during a fire. This includes obstructions like snow, tall grass/plants, outdoor décor and furniture, and general debris.