History of the West Side Mutual Aid Association
The West Side Mutual Aid Association was organized in 1948 and charted in 1974. The original members were Edwardsville Fire Department, Forty Fort Fire Department, Kingston Fire Departments, Luzerne Fire Department and Swoyersville Fire Departments.
These departments saw a need for an organized and committed response to large fires and other emergencies.
At different stages additional West Side Departments Joined the Mutual Aid. These being Courtdale and Pringle Fire Departments, then Larksville, Plymouth, Plymouth Twp, West Wyoming and finally Exeter, West Pittston and Wyoming Fire Departments.
After numerous general alarm fires in the mid and late sixties general alarm fire protocols were set up for automatic responses which are still in place today. Prior to that fire companies were called in on an as needed basis.
The First Officers were:
- Commander – Ralph Schmoll – Kingston
- President – Jim Brennan – Kingston
- Secretary – Treasurer Ted Heidel – Luzerne
Over the years the mutual aid has been headed by members from all member departments. Some served in office for many years, these being Frank Hilard, Francis Baines and Gordon Roberts who served as an officer for some 26 years.
Myron Krupa assisted the Mutual aid with radio testing at the annual mutual aid drills. These drills rotated from department to department.
Prior to the introduction of mobile and land based radios in the mid 1950’s the departments were contacted by phone for their assistance. The fire departments on the west side had radio communications before Wilkes-Barre City. The first base radio was stationed at Columbia Fire Station in Kingston. A satellite station was also established at Edwardsville Fire Department.
During the early and mid 60’s the departments held a fireman’s competition, Departments competed in various phases of fire fighting related activities. Competition was fierce but always friendly.