Reliance Hose

06/01/2026

At 18:46 Engine 66 responded out to McDonalds on memorial pkwy for a mulch fire with slight extension to the structure

05/31/2026

Today, May 31, 2026, marks the 34th anniversary of a major moment in the history of Reliance Hose Company No. 1… the company’s move from its longtime home at 292 Chambers Street to the fire station at Firth and Marshall Streets alongside Alert Hook & Ladder Company.

For approximately 105 years, Chambers Street served as the heart of Reliance Hose Company. The firehouse was far more than just a building… it was a second home to generations of members who answered alarms, maintained apparatus, attended meetings, and built lifelong friendships on the truck floor. For many members, the company’s identity was deeply connected to the historic Chambers Street house and the neighborhood it proudly protected.

The road leading to the move was long, difficult, and often emotional. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Phillipsburg officials debated numerous proposals involving the future of the town’s aging firehouses. Discussions included renovating the Chambers Street stations, constructing a new firehouse at the Grant Street garages, and eventually converting the former Cigarette Service building at Firth and Marshall Streets into a modern fire station.

The controversy lasted for years and became one of the most debated municipal issues in town history. Newspaper articles from the time documented political disagreements, committee disputes, failed renovation bids, financial concerns, and emotional opposition from firefighters determined to preserve their company homes and traditions. Reliance members especially fought to remain on Chambers Street, even as concerns grew regarding the aging structure, wooden truck floor, and the increasing size and weight of modern fire apparatus.

Alert Hook & Ladder relocated to the Marshall Street building first in 1989 while additional renovations continued. Finally, on May 31, 1992, Reliance officially left Chambers Street and relocated to Firth and Marshall Streets, marking the end of an era for the company and the surrounding neighborhood.

Although the address changed, the pride, traditions, and brotherhood of Reliance Hose Company carried on. The memories created on Chambers Street remain an important part of the company’s history, while the move to Firth and Marshall Streets represented the beginning of a new chapter for future generations of Reliance firefighters.

Today, 34 years later, we remember not only the move itself, but also the generations of members who proudly served from Chambers Street and helped carry the traditions of Reliance Hose Company into its new home.

05/29/2026

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, Reliance Hose Company No. 1 remembers and honors all who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

05/22/2026

Today, we take you back to a time before modern apparatus, before radios, and before today’s mutual aid system… when answering the call meant boarding a train and responding to one of the most devastating fires in Clinton’s history. Among those who answered that call were members of Reliance Hose Company No. 1 and Centennial Engine Company of the Phillipsburg Fire Department.

Just four years after Reliance Hose Company was organized on February 8, 1887, its members found themselves responding to a disaster that would forever become part of regional firefighting history.

On October 30, 1891, a massive blaze swept through Clinton’s Main Street business district, destroying 23 buildings, wiping out 17 businesses, leaving 18 families homeless, and causing an estimated $125,000 in damages… an enormous financial loss for the time.

At the time of the fire, Clinton did not yet have its own organized fire department. As flames rapidly spread from building to building, urgent telegrams were sent to neighboring communities requesting assistance. Among those answering the call were members of Reliance Hose Company No. 1 and Centennial Engine Company of the Phillipsburg Fire Department under the leadership of Chief Joseph H. Firth.

Firefighters from Phillipsburg, along with crews from Easton, responded to Clinton aboard the Lehigh Valley Railroad. In the late 1800s, fire apparatus could not simply drive to neighboring towns like they do today, making railroad transportation essential during major emergencies. The response itself demonstrated both the seriousness of the disaster and the dedication of firefighters willing to leave their own community to help another in need.

Historical newspaper accounts reported that Phillipsburg firefighters remained in Clinton for much of the day assisting with firefighting operations and dealing with the widespread destruction left behind by the blaze. The Great Clinton Fire of 1891 became one of the earliest documented examples of Reliance Hose Company responding outside the Town of Phillipsburg to assist during a major regional emergency.

Now, nearly 135 years later, the Great Clinton Fire remains an important chapter in both Clinton and Reliance history. The response by Reliance Hose Company No. 1 and Centennial Engine Company represented the early foundation of what would eventually become today’s mutual aid system… firefighters helping firefighters and communities helping communities.

Even in an era with limited resources, difficult travel, and no modern communication systems, Phillipsburg firefighters answered the call… a tradition that continues to this day.

05/16/2026

James “Jim” Cyphers was a proud and dedicated member of Reliance Hose Company No. 1 for 60 years, joining the company on February 2, 1966. During his early years with the company, Jim was an active truck floor member from 1966 through 1973, answering calls and serving the residents of Phillipsburg alongside his fellow firefighters before obtaining his exempt status. Even after becoming exempt, Jim remained active and involved around the firehouse for decades, always showing pride and dedication toward Reliance Hose Company and the Phillipsburg Fire Department.

Jim was recognized as a Life Member on February 7, 1987, and later honored as a 50-Year Member on March 19, 2016. Throughout his years with Reliance, he proudly served the company as Trustee from 1972-1974 and Vice President from 1974-1975. He was also a Life Member of the Exempt Fire Association, where he served as Vice President and Financial Secretary for many years.

Jim will be remembered for his dedication, friendship, and many years of loyal service to Reliance Hose Company and the Phillipsburg Fire Department.

James Jim Cyphers, 94, joined his beloved wife, Betty, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Jim was born in Phillipsburg, NJ on August 6, 1931 to the late William and Grace Raub Cyphers. Jim and Betty McCormack were married on September 2, 1956 at St. Agnes Church, Cohoes, NY. They celebrated

05/16/2026

Today, we take you back to where it all began…

The origins of Reliance Hose Company No. 1 date back to late 1886, during a time when Phillipsburg’s fire protection system was limited while the town’s population continued to grow. At the December 6, 1886 Town Council meeting, a petition from citizens of the Third Ward was formally presented requesting permission to organize a new hose company. The request was referred to the Fire Committee for consideration, marking the first official step toward the creation of what would eventually become the oldest active fire company in Phillipsburg.

At the time, Phillipsburg had already seen two fire companies come and go. The Warren Fire Company was organized in 1864, followed by the Andover Engine Company in 1867. Both companies served the town until the early 1870s, when they eventually disbanded. Centennial Engine Company was later organized in 1876 and remained active until its disbandment in 1914. During the time Reliance Hose Company was being formed, Centennial was the town’s only active fire company.

Two months later, at the February 7, 1887 Town Council meeting, the Fire Committee recommended approval of the petition. Council officially granted permission for the organization of the new company under the name “Reliance Hose Company No. 1,” and the petitioners were recognized as members of the Phillipsburg Fire Department. This officially established Reliance as the fourth organized fire company in Phillipsburg history.

The company held its first official meeting on February 8, 1887 at Dingler’s Hall on Chambers Street in the Third Ward. During that meeting, members elected the company’s first officers and laid the foundation for the permanent organization of the company. Bartholomew Coleman was elected President, Fred McCorkell as Vice President, Fred Castle as Secretary, and Joseph Firth as Treasurer. Trustees elected were Joseph Brennan, Edward Gorgas, and Luke Henry.

Reliance’s organization marked the beginning of a major expansion period for the Phillipsburg Fire Department. Later that same year, Jersey Hose Company No. 2 and Alert Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 were organized, helping establish the foundation of the modern Phillipsburg Fire Department.

As the company continued to grow during 1887, Reliance quickly became involved in department affairs. In June of that year, the company nominated Joseph H. Firth to represent Reliance in the election for the town’s first Fire Chief. The following month, Samuel A. Metz of Jersey Hose Company No. 2 was elected as Phillipsburg’s first Fire Chief.

Also in July of 1887, a committee from Reliance Hose Company appeared before Town Council requesting that the town furnish the company with a hose house and suitable fire apparatus. The request was referred to the Fire Committee for further consideration. Reliance later requested a hose carriage equivalent to the newly acquired carriage used by Jersey Hose Company No. 2. At the beginning of 1888, the company officially received its hose carriage, providing Reliance with the equipment necessary to properly protect the growing Third Ward section of Phillipsburg.

By November of 1889, construction had begun on Reliance’s first firehouse on Chambers Street at a cost around $5,000. As the building neared completion, the company organized a large fair and festival held from February 18 through February 23, 1890 to help furnish and support the new quarters. Newspaper articles from the time praised the rapid progress of the building and described the pride Third Ward residents had in the company’s new home.

In March of 1890, Reliance Hose Company officially celebrated the grand opening of its new firehouse, establishing a permanent home for the company and further solidifying its place within the growing Phillipsburg Fire Department.

Attachments include:
- Newspaper articles from Easton Express.
- AI generated images of construction of firehouse and hose carriage.
- YouTube video of members with hose carriage in Easton PA parade.