Country United States City Reading Fire chief William Stoudt Stations 7 Annual budget 17.52 million USD (2015) | State Pennsylvania Employees 126 (2016) Phone +1 610-655-6080 Founded 17 March 1773 | |
Established March 17, 1773 (1773-03-17) Address 815 Washington St, Reading, PA 19601, USA | ||
Reading fire department tower 1 rescue 2 responding 7 17 16
The Reading Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency medical services to the city of Reading, Pennsylvania. 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.
Contents
Reading fire department 2013 video looking back
History
The Reading Fire Department was formed on March 17, 1773 as a volunteer fire department known as the Rainbow Volunteer Fire Company. 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.
Beginning in April 2011 Engine's 13 and 14 were disbanded due to budget cuts. 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.
As of January 1st 2016, the department is now a fully career department.
Stations and apparatus
As of June 2015 below is a complete list of the stations and apparatus.