Serving the Borough with an elite group of dedicated firefighters along with the other two fire companies in town Highland Hose Company and Eureka Hose Company, our company began its existence on April 29, 1906 when a tragic fire swept through Tarentum's West End destroying in its path a bakery, a retail business, a warehouse and several apartments. There was no organized fire team to combat the blaze...just a hand full of men with a hose cart and plenty of courage. These brave men battled all night and into the next morning until the fire finally came under control. The people of West Tarentum banded together and demanded action. On May 1, 1906 a town meeting was held and a fire company was organized. It produced a charter of 50 members on May 2, 1906. Because the original building was located on the hill of West Ninth Avenue, "Summit Hose" was chosen as its name. A Valley Daily News editorial praised the chartering and encouraged others to follow suit. During the first six months of operation, Summit Hose Company members raised $1,465 dollars, mostly through Street Fairs and ice cream sales (a real treat in those days). The money was used to build a new fire station. It was completed in 1908 and was located at 319 West Seventh Avenue, next to the present day building. In 1916, Tarentum purchased the company's first motorized pumper a Seagrave. In 1929, the Borough built the present day station. In 1930, the Borough purchased another Seagrave Engine. In 1954 the Borough purchased yet another Seagrave Engine at a cost of $20,984.30, this engine was used until 1977 when the Borough purchased another Seagrave Engine for the Company at a cost of $77,000.00. Although refurbished in 1993 at a cost of around $100,000.00, this is the Summit Hose Company's present Engine. On January 16, 2007 the company formally changed its station designation to conform to Allegheny County Dispatching standards and officially became Station 282. In 1972, Summit Hose had organized a Junior Fire Department for members ages 16 to 18 years and had 16 Charter Members, in 1975, the company lowered the age requirement to 15 years. The Summit Hose Junior Fire Department, through its excellent mentorship have provided the company with a great group of well trained firefighters. Today, Summit Hose Company, continues to provide emergency services 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. As it was back in 1906, Summit Firefighters have provided the borough with a true core of volunteers who, in a moments notice, respond to and take care the needs of their town. Sadly enough, on one of those calls in 1961, Firefighter Frank Goralka was killed in the line of duty. Although no one can predict what will happen in the future when emergency services are needed, one thing can be counted on, as it has been for over 100 years, the Summit Hose Company will be there to render help to the citizens of Tarentum.
