The first engine, which was housed on Grand Avenue, was owned by Morris Hunt, Jr., the first fire chief of the company. "We had an inch or two to spare when we backed the engine in there," Koenig recalls. "We had to climb over the hood and windshield when we got a fire call. It was 1947, when the West Trenton Volunteer Fire Company was established with 13 members at 13 Wilburtha Road, the home of
"Paul Koenig, who became its first president. The first fire engine, "Old Bessie" was a 1924 750-gallon pumper purchased from the Union Fire Company of Morrisville. The day it arrived, some of the members were looking it over at a service station when a fire broke out on the end of the station. The men grabbed fire extinguishers and put it out. In August of 1955, a flood terrorized people along the Delaware River, and New Jersey was placed in a state of emergency. The West Trenton firefighters, under the direction of long-time chief Paul Rossi, played an important role in evacuating residents of the area, particularly those in the nursing home on River Road. Men walked in water above their waists to push the boats to safety, and many members of the company worked around the clock for three days. The Fire Company wanted to expand by seeking additional land, but the Mercer Country Freeholders advised the company that the Mercer County Airport runways had to be kept clear. The old firehouse was sold to the county and a Relocation and Building Committee was formed. A grand opening May 8, 1971 began with a parade of 100 fire companies, civic organizations, and bands assembled at DeCou and Parkway Avenues. We have come a long way from that old garage on Grand Ave. with a chain drive engine, to the present station at 40 West Upper Ferry Road and the modern equipment housed within. Our goal over the past 57 years has been to provide the very best fire protection and emergency services possible. Our members are dedicated to their volunteer jobs. They are always willing to learn something new and to keep this operation as safe as possible for you the residents and to their brother firefighters. You have to remember that even though you may not be a member of the West Trenton Volunteer Fire Company, you are still a part of the team, by keeping yourself safe from fire by practicing good fire prevention and by supporting the fire company in any way you can. The doors of our firehouse are always open if you would like to visit, take a look around and just maybe you may elect to become a member of the company. We are always in need of new members to help with the firefighting and fundraising events.
