Past, Present, and Future

On Monday August 24, 1874 50 members of Lehighton met to organize a fire company and by motion to be named Lehigh Hook and Ladder Company No.1 of the Borough of Lehighton (Later renamed Lehigh Fire Co. # 1 in 1895).  On November 5, 1903 another group of eager citizens met to form an additional fire Company within Lehighton.  The name of the company was to be Lehighton Fire Engine Company No. 1 (Later renamed Lehighton Fire Engine Co. # 2 in 1904). 

On January 26, 1954 several members of Lehigh Fire Co. #1 realized the need for ambulance services within the borough. At that point Lehigh Fire Co. #1 Ambulance Association was born. Even though it was part of Lehigh Fire Co. #1, there were members of both fire companies that responded with the ambulance.  This venture evolved into what is now a independent organization known as Lehighton Ambulance.

Since the early 1960’s the Lehighton Fire Department has operated a scuba dive team initially called a “skin diving” unit and now is referred to as the Lehighton Fire Department Water Rescue and Recovery Unit. The unit has gone from the simple one it was at its origin to the highly trained members that we have today. The unit doesn’t just specialize in underwater diving but also has many members certified in water rescue, as well as now having a connector boat and zodiac at its disposal to respond to water incidents.

In April 1987, an ordinance forming the Lehighton Fire Department as a volunteer department of the Borough was passed. Lehighton Borough Council appoints the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief.  The Department elects and appoints officers to include Captain, Lieutenants, Safety Officers, and Engineers. 

The priority of the goals of the Lehighton Fire Department in the suppression of fire shall be as follows:

              1.           Save Lives

              2.           Limit the spread of fire

              3.           Extinguish the fire

              4.           Minimize property damage from fire-related hazards

The Fire Department offers its services to local individuals and organizations with potential fire hazard conditions and shall assist in their solution. The Department also carries out a public fire safety education program to achieve/develop a level of fire and life safety awareness and attitude that assists the department in management and reduction of fire risk in the community.  Lehighton Fire Department also has a well-trained Water Rescue Team. Mutual Aid Agreements are in place to assist in surrounding communities.

In 2015, the new state of the art Lehighton Fire Station had opened its doors after decades of planning.  The Station was constructed and funded by the Borough of Lehighton, Lehighton Fire Department, DCED Local Share Account and Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program. 

Currently the Lehighton Fire Department operates 2 engines, a ladder truck, 2 rescues, 2 boats, 2 pick up trucks, and a Hazardous Materials Response Trailer.  The department is recognized by the State Fire Commissioner’s Officer as a Participating Department at the 75% level.  Currently 90% of our members voluntarily receive certifications at various levels in Nationally/Internationally recognized Professional Qualifications.