On October 27, 1870, Tunkhannock experienced a fire that burned most of the borough's business district. A fire company was summoned from Wilkes-Barre and laid a hose line to the river, but all the firefighters could do was keep the fire from spreading further. The name Triton comes from mythology "God of Water".
Tunkhannock residents knew that this disaster would keep repeating itself unless the community had its own fire company. On June 1, 1871, Triton Hose Company was organized and a hose house was established in a small, wooden two-story building next to the Presbyterian Church at West Tioga and Putnam Streets.
Prior to 1900 the fire company moved to a brick building on Marion Street. This building housed the Tunkhannock Public Library until recently. The bell on the Wyoming County Court House, across the street, was used as a fire alarm.
Late in 1908, Triton Hose Company voted to build a new hose house on warren Street. About $7,400 had already been raised, so the decision was made to spend the outlandish sum of $10,000 on the new building. Eventually this building housed two bowling alleys. The bowling alleys have since disappeared. Over the years the building received several additions. In 1974 the hose house underwent further extensive renovations and expansion to add truck bays, the large banquet facility and new borough offices and police headquarters. For many years the second floor kitchen and large meeting room was used for social gatherings. In the year 2000 Triton Hose sold the building to Tunkhannock Borough.
A sizable modernization program was completed in 1921. During that year the company discontinued use of the court house bell as an alarm, installing an electrically-operated siren atop the hose house. That was also the year in which Tritons purchased their first chemical truck from the Buffalo Fire Extinguisher Company.
Another major step was taken in 1929, when Triton acquired their first pumper from American LaFrance. This amazing truck, lovingly nicknamed "Old Glory" by the hose company members is still pulled out of its display area for parades and special events.
In 1974 the hose house underwent further extensive renovations and expansion to add truck bays, the large banquet facility and new borough offices.
Since 1948 Triton Hose Company has continued to aggressively update its fire suppression equipment. The company has used several notable pieces of equipment, a 1948 American LaFrance Scout fire truck, a 1955 Ford-American LaFrance pumper equipped with brush fire equipment, a 1966 Ward LaFrance pumper, an old army truck tanker. Currently Triton Hose uses the following emergency vehicles:
Snorkel 1 -----An 85 foot snorkel
Engine 2 -----A pumper designed for water supply and 5 inch hose
Engine 3 -----A four wheel drive brush and rough road unit
Engine 4 -----A pumper designed for structure fires or major situations
Tanker 5 -----A tanker capable of carrying 2000 gallons of water
Engine 6 -----A multi-purpose pumper/foam truck
Tanker 7 -----A tanker capable of carrying 3000 gallons of water
Squad 8 -----A utility equipment and personnel transport vehicle
Old Glory -----Not for emergencies but impressive for parades
In 1977 Triton Hose Company stepped into the world of instant firefighter response by purchasing 40 Motorola Minitors (personal fire pagers). This system, now activated by the Wyoming County Communications Center or the Triton Base Station, summons firefighters directly to the scene thus saving valuable time. Today there are approximately 70 active firefighters with Minitors, full turnout gear (coats, boots, helmets, gloves and hoods) so that they are able to respond to a fire or other emergency scene from home or work. There are also portable two-way radios used by Tritons for communication throughout the area.
1981 was the year that Triton bought a MAKO air system. This system enables the company to refill air bottles used on the self-contained breathing apparatus. These are the air-packs used by firefighters so they can breathe fresh, safe air in the hot, smoke filled environment of a fire or hazardous materials incident.
By the late 1990s it was obvious that the fire company needed additional space to house and maintain the equipment. Space was also needed to train and have instructional classes. Triton secured property at 116 W. Tioga Street. A new hose house was built on this site. This allowed for the needed space and quicker access to the main streets and roads. This building was occupied in the 2000.
Triton Hose Company provides protection to Tunkhannock Borough, Tunkhannock Township, Eaton Township, and Lemon Township. This is a combined area of 87 square miles and a population of 9042.
Throughout the years the volunteers of the Triton Hose Company have assisted the residents of our area. We have answered the call during times of fire, flood, rescue, and other emergencies and fire prevention programs. Tritons also continue to support the communities in non-emergency situations. The area residents have shown their appreciation by supporting this volunteer organization at the annual carnival and at other functions.
TRITON HOSE - SERVING THE TUNKHANNOCK AREA SINCE 1871
Prepared 1989
Revised 2004