Editing Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania (section)

==Wyndmoor Hose Company==
===20th century===
[[File:82HistoryThumb.jpg|thumb|Wyndmoor Hose Company No 1]]
[[File:92Sept11.jpg|thumb|Wyndmoor volunteers assist at [[ground zero]] following the [[September 11 attacks]]]]
Wyndmoor Hose Company No. 1 was formed in 1906 and chartered in 1907. The seeds of the local fire company grew out of an industrial base at Mermaid Lane and Queen Street. There, the Nelson Valve Company began an in-house fire brigade to meet the needs of the dangerous industrial mechanisms used to make hydraulic valves. Eventually, the local community was solicited for its help in keeping this fire unit viable and expanding its services to the larger community. Residents volunteered, recognizing the communal benefit, and with help from the valve company a two-wheeled hand cart was purchased and 500 feet of hose. By 1909, the shed used at the valve Company was expanded, as were the hose carts to four wheels and two horses. Horse power proved a problem. A monetary reward was granted to the first horse team to arrive at the sound of the alarm and haul the apparatus to the scene. This actually produced a rivalry among horse teams!

At the dawn of the Roaring Twenties the fire company got a new home, on Queen Street closer to Willow Grove Ave. It still stands and served as a firehouse for nearly 50 years. In 1927, Wyndmoor purchased two Hale Pumpers and in 1940 a city service ladder truck. As the nations infant automotive industry diversified and began to specialize, communities began purchasing recognizable fire apparatus. A huge property along Willow Grove Ave. was purchased by the fire company, and large fairs were held for a dozen years. The proceeds from these carnivals offset astronomical costs and allowed the continued modernization of the fire service in Wyndmoor.

Wyndmoor Hose Company is a 100% volunteer department. The fifty-plus members who make up the working force are notified by digital paging systems, day and night, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365-days-a-year.

In the late 1990s, it was decided that the fire company would add emergency medical services to its already expanded list of rescue operations. The company purchased the QRS (Quick Response Service) unit that houses enough basic life support and first-aid equipment to complement the Springfield Ambulance Association's arrival.

===21st century===
Shortly after WHCo sent a crew to Ground Zero following September 11, 2001's terrorist activities, the Hazardous Materials operation also expanded. Wyndmoor teamed with HazMat 919 as Eastern Montgomery County's primary decontamination service. A larger environmental response trailer was purchased to accommodate the increased quantity of equipment needed. A much more in-depth training program was enforced and all WHCo members were required to complete advanced levels of hazardous materials training.

Today Wyndmoor Hose Company, No. 1 is equipped to respond to virtually any emergency. Currently the department responds with a 2007 Pierce Rescue, a Ford F550, has a boat used for rescue, and trailers. A '19 Rosenbauer with a 55' aerial boom was received May 2019 - Snorkel 82. From building fire to vehicle rescue, from hazardous material to emergency medical situations, Wyndmoor has personnel that are well trained and highly skilled prepared to act.<ref>{{cite web|last=Welch|first=Edward|url=http://www.wyndmoorfireco.com|title=Wyndmoor Hose Company No 1: A Centennial History|access-date=February 2, 2012}}</ref>