Established in 1942 as a ward of civilian defense in the face of World War II, the Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company has become an integral and respected service institution in Upper Merion and Pennsylvania at large. The Company’s volunteers have been steadfastly bound to each other and their community over its storied 60-year history.

Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company Timeline

May 11, 1942: Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company is incorporated by Montgomery County. Its first meetings are in Michael Brodowski’s Tavern and Stanley Knaisiak’s barbershop.

1946 Swedesburg’s Ladies Auxiliary is established by company president, Bernard S. Gutkowski, Sr.

1951: SVFC’s original fire house is built on Church Road thanks to generous contributions from James Lees & Sons, among many others.

1953: The development of the PA Turnpike Delaware River Extension charges right through Swedesburg’s back yard and the firehouse, along with 32 homes, are razed for its development.

1954: Volunteers and the community rally to construct the present-day firehouse on Jefferson Street

1960s: The Junior Fireman’s Corps is established for volunteers between the ages of 17 and 21

1975: The Company establishes a Vehicle Rescue Unit with its first “Jaws of Life”

1983: Swedesburg is among the first companies in Pennsylvania to be certified in vehicle rescue

1986: Swedesburg establishes its water rescue team with the purchase of its first boat and hours of training for 30 personnel

1991: An addition to the existing firehouse is completed, with a larger engine room and improved radio room, a new meeting room and offices.

Notable Facts

The company’s first engine, a Hale-Ford 500 GPM pumper was just $5,000. Today a comparable truck would cost around $400,000.

Bridgeport’s Goodwill Fire Company leant Swedesburg its first piece of hose.

Edward Rakowski was the company’s first President. Its first Fire Chief was Walter Polchlopek.

SVFC is considered the first in Montgomery County to practice the ritual blessing of fire trucks, dating back to 1942 when company chaplains invoked God’s protection on the vehicles and the fire fighters who rode them.