ABOUT US

We are parents, teachers, friends and neighbors. We are also volunteer firefighters and fire police officers, committed to safeguarding our communities within the Northern Lehigh Area. The Diamond Fire Company proudly protects and serves our community of approximately 2,100 people living in an area of one square mile located in Walnutport Borough (Northampton County). We also provide automatic mutual aid to numerous neighboring communities as well. We operate out of one station that protects a primarily residential and small business area in multiple forms including; fire suppression, vehicle extrication, first responder service, traffic control, water rescue, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, flood response, and the occasional cat in the tree. Our department is a public safety department whose members are 100% volunteer including men and women of all ages and backgrounds, working together for the safety of and service to Walnutport Borough and surrounding communities. As of April, 2014 our ISO rating has improved from a class 5 to a class 4.



Our fire company received its charter in 1896 celebrating our 120th anniversary this year. Due to the need for larger facilities, we moved into our new fire station in 1992 and due to a large number of vehicle accidents in our area, we purchased the Hurst “Jaws of Life” in 1993. Shortly after, a larger vehicle was needed to carry the rescue equipment so we then purchased a Rescue-Pumper from Saulsbury Fire Apparatus in 1995. Due to the age of our ladder truck (1981 American LaFrance 75′ Water Chief), we decided to order a new American LaFrance / L.T.I. 75′ Quint that we took delivery of in June of 2002.



Since March of 2000, our department has been a participant of the Pennsylvania Fire Service Certification Program. We also have placed in service 3 Automated External Defibrillators that we run automatically with our local EMS provider (Northern Valley EMS) on cardiac arrests and unconscious persons. Our department is well trained and equipped with the most modern equipment available. In September of 2003 our department became Pennsylvania State Certified as a Quick Response Service with the Department of Health and in August of 2005 we became Pennsylvania State Certified and received rescue certification at the operations level with the Department of Health and Office of the State Fire Commissioner. Unit 2941 was the first rescue-pumper certified by the Eastern Pennsylvania EMS Council which covers six counties. As of August, 2008 we re-certified at the advanced level which is the highest rescue certification in Pennsylvania and continue today to re-certify at that level.



Even though Walnutport Borough is physically located in Northampton County, the Diamond Fire Company is primarily, and always has been, dispatched by the Lehigh County 9-1-1 Center located in Allentown. However, effective in 2008, our station can also be dispatched by Northampton County 9-1-1 when responding mutual aid with Northampton County fire departments.



IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Diamond Fire Company has only one fund drive per year. We mail this directly to the residents and property owners. We DO NOT solicit donations via phone calls and if you should receive a phone call stating they are soliciting money for the Diamond Fire Company (Walnutport Fire Department), please try to obtain the name of the company performing the solicitation and then contact us. These solicitations do not benefit your local fire services. Thank you for your assistance.

A LOOK AT OUR PAST

In 1893, a group of men realizing the need for a fire company in Walnutport met in the George Roth Saloon and the Diamond Fire Company was organized. The organization received their charter on December 7, 1896. The company’s first quarters were on South Canal Street where the meetings were held and the chemical fire wagon which members pulled was kept.

In 1902, the company bought land at Main and Washington Streets for the sum of $601. In 1910, construction began with lumber salvaged from the Citizen’s Electric, Light, Heat & Power Company. Lewis Zellner and his force of men laid the cement foundation. It would measure 40 feet by 80 feet. The building was made of brick and when completed it would be one of the largest firehouses in the state. Lewis Thamerus was in charge of the brickwork and contractor; Daniel Kern was in charge of the carpenters. In November 1911, the first meeting of the Diamond Fire Company was held on the completed first floor. Countless hours of unselfish time was given by members to defray the cost of the building, but still a $3,000 mortgage was needed. Electricity to the company was furnished by the Citizens Electric, Light, Heat & Power Company of Walnutport, which was located between the Lehigh River and the canal, north of Main Street, at a cost of fifty cents a month.

As documented in the Oct. 27, 1911 edition of The Slatington News, the fire company held a carnival to help raise money for their new fire station. The article reads,
Over the years the fire company held many circuses. The first large weeklong circus was held in 1963 and it ran from Monday through Saturday. In the early 1950s smaller circuses were held in the borough that ran for only two or three days.

In November 1912, the H.J. Feldhedge Silk Manufacturing Company requested to rent the unfinished second floor for a silkmill and they would install a stairway, floor, steam heating plant and furnish heat to the company at no charge in return for the use of the premises for five years. This was agreed upon by members and a five year contract was signed at $15 per month the first year and $25 per month the last four years. The silk company leased the second floor in 1917 for ten years at $35 per month and they built the annex to the first floor at no cost to the company.

In 1913, Town Council started holding their meetings in the fire company and a two cell “lock up” was installed in the basement of the company.

In September 1915, a 48-inch “Hymer” bell was installed at the fire company at a cost of $156.00 for the bell. The bell was used as a fire alarm until the early 1940’s when a siren was installed.

The mortgage of the fire company was paid off in April of 1918 and mortgage burning ceremonies were held on February 22, 1919.

In January 1922, the company signed an agreement with Lewis Sauerwine of Slatington to install their chemical apparatus on a one ton Ford with pneumatic tires, electric starter, generator and battery at a cost of $1,150.21.
In 1923, the newly organized Walnutport State Bank moved into the fire company. They leased their operations from the fire company until April 1978 when they moved to 500 Main Street in the Borough of Walnutport.

In 1946, the company purchased a 1946 Mack 500 gallon pumper which is shown in the center with the three Slatington fire companies.

In June of 1963, a new American LaFrance 1000 G.P.M. custom pumper was purchased at a cost of $31,000. From 1963 until June of 1969 the American LaFrance and Mack pumpers served the community. In June of 1969 the Mack truck was sold to Robert Martin of Martin Volkswagon to be kept as an antique. An American LaFrance Pioneer truck was then purchased for $24,000. The American LaFrance 1000 G.P.M. custom pumper is pictured below along with Chief Kelton “Kelly” Wentz and Assistant Chief Larry Merkle.

On June 20 & 21, 1975 the fire company hosted the 78th Annual Four-County Firemen’s Association convention and parade that drew thousands of spectators to a 2-1/2 hour, nine-division parade that wound through the borough streets. Larry Merkle, fire company president and Four County president, convened a convention meeting that was held in the company hall on June 20. That same evening a banquet was held at the Northampton Community Center. The community took on a festive air with “Welcome Firemen” banners strung across the various entrances to the community. Business places and private homes were also bedecked in bunting and signs. Our social quarters were organized in the early 1930’s when we received our license. In June of 1962, due to an income tax problem, we received our charter as the Diamond Fire Company Home Association. Our social quarters were remodeled in 1964 and the hall on the second floor, which had been used for dances, bingo and wedding receptions in the past, was remodeled in February of 1968.

Seeing a need for a new social hall, on December 30, 1976 the apartment building located west of our original premises was purchased. This was the site of the former Slate Exchange Hotel and Costenbader’s Apartments.
In April 1977 the apartment building was demolished and in October 1977 ground was broken to begin building our new social hall. The shell of this 80-foot by 250-foot brick-front steel frame hall, that seats close to 1000 people, was erected at a cost of $98,000. Central air conditioning, kitchen, bandstand and office were added to the interior of the building for a total estimated cost of $250,000. Volunteers did much of the work which saved as much as $15,000 for the fire company.

After several years of thought, discussion and investigation, the decision to begin purchasing some new equipment was made. Our community was growing rapidly. The addition of a shopping mall, a new housing development and several eating establishments within the Borough of Walnutport, led us to believe that a ladder truck could be utilized in our community. In light of the aforementioned, in May of 1981, a 75-foot American LaFrance Water Chief ladder truck with a 1500 GPM pump was purchased at a cost of $161,000. This vehicle was built in Elmira, New York.

In November 1982, the company spent $127,000 to obtain an American LaFrance/Saulsbury 3200 gallon tanker to handle the community’s water problem. This vehicle was built in Tully, New York.

Because we had acquired those two trucks, we found it necessary to purchase a 1982 Chevrolet diesel step van to be used as an equipment truck to carry the equipment needed to perform sufficiently when called to a fire. The cost of this equipment truck was $20,000.

Now that we had the ladder truck, the problem of where to house it was solved by building a garage alongside the borough public works garage at the rear of our new social hall. A new garage was also added to our original garage to house the new tanker and equipment truck.

The poor condition of the original building brought the decision to renovate the facility. Weather had caused wear and tear on the bricks, and upon putting an addition to the building, a large crack appeared. The building received a facelift in 1982. In addition to the white brick stucco, new windows were installed on the second floor to improve the appearance of the building and two large picture windows were changed on the first floor in the front of the building. Between the sidewalks and the building on Main Street there is a brick wall with shrubbery and flowers. The surrounding lots were also blacktopped in 1982.
In 1982 with the acquisition of the new apparatus, the 1969 American LaFrance Pioneer High Pressure pumper was sold to Fannett Metal Fire Company in Dry Run (Franklin County), Pennsylvania.

On June 4, 1983 the fire company held a truck and building dedication ceremony that brought a celebration to the streets of Walnutport in the form of a fireman’s parade. There was a dedication program in commemoration of the acquisition of new fire equipment, renovations to the fire company building and grounds, and the recently built social hall adjacent to the fire company building on Main Street.

In 1983, a Chevrolet/Saulsbury 4-wheel drive mini-pumper was purchased to enable off-road firefighting at a cost of $56,000. This vehicle was built in Tully, New York.

In 1986, due to the high cost of a new pumper, it was decided to refurbish our 1963 American LaFrance pumper. It was completed at a cost of $110,000. The work was done by American LaFrance Service Center in Dunmore, Pennsylvania.

Due to the need for a larger fire station, ground was broken in September of 1990. We moved into the 85′ x 102′ fire station on April 2, 1992. Most of the work was done ourselves including all painting, insulation, wall studs, paneling, ceiling, doors and staining of the wood trim. It took longer than expected but, it was well worth it. The building’s cost, including contents, cost over $350,00.00.

The station was built because of the need for a larger facility to house our fire apparatus, training space, maintenance area, bathrooms, storage areas and office space. All we had prior were 2 garage bays housing four pieces of apparatus and our tanker was housed in a garage by the borough public works garage.

The new fire station also features:
  • a new air system to fill our air bottles which cost $28,590.00.
  • a training room including a movie screen, podium, television, VCR and kitchen facilities.
  • a maintenance room including a triple sink for the cleaning of air masks.
  • bathroom facilities for men and women including showers.
  • a water fill line in the garage to fill fire apparatus water tanks instead of having to fill them at a fire hydrant.
We had a dedication and parade for the new station on August 21st, 1993.
Due to the large number of vehicle accidents in our area, the “Jaws of Life” was purchased with the help of local civic organizations, businesses, and legislative initiative grants. This system was placed in service October of 1994 and has been beneficial on numerous occasions in the Northern Lehigh area. Now having the “Jaws of Life” rescue system, a larger vehicle was needed to carry this equipment to better serve the Walnutport and Northern Lehigh area. On July 26, 1995, we received our new Rescue-Pumper that was built by Saulsbury Fire Apparatus in Preable, New York. The cost was $370,000.00.

The fire company hosted the Four County Firemen’s Association convention and parade for the second time on June 22, 1996. Fire Chief John Kirchner was elected president of the Four County Firemen’s Association. More than 85 fire companies featuring about 220 trucks with seven bands and eight marching units were in the parade that was held in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the fire company. On Friday evening, at a banquet that was held at the Northampton Community Center, the fire company presented a plaque to Larry and Doneta Merkle honoring their years of service to the fire company. During Larry’s 29 years of service he served as trustee, president, assistant chief and fire chief. Doneta served as the company’s recording secretary for 17 years. A highlight of the weeklong festivities, which included the parade and a carnival, was the dedication of the fire company’s new Saulsbury pumper in memory of the late Kelton “Kelly” Wentz who served as fire chief for 25 years and dedicated 40 years of service to the company. He was the company’s financial secretary when he died in 1984.

In May of 1999 we obtained a 1970/86 AMC General 6X6 from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry at no cost. After extensive refurbishing by our personnel at a cost of $9,000, this brush vehicle was placed into service in May of 2000.

Also in May of 2000, the 1963/86 American LaFrance pumper and 1981 American LaFrance 75′ Water Chief were sold to Elkland Fire Department in Tioga County, Pennsylvania for $150,000 ($30,000 for the pumper and $120,000 for the ladder).

In September 2003, Attack 2971 became QRS certified by the Eastern Pennsylvania EMS Council.
In October of 2003 the 1982 American LaFrance/Saulsbury tanker was refurbished by Swab Wagon Company in Elizabethville, Pennsylvania for $32,405. New side dumps were added along with additional lighting.

In August of 2005 we became Pennsylvania State Certified and received rescue certification at the operations level with the Department of Health and Office of the State Fire Commissioner. Unit 2941 was the first rescue-pumper certified by the Eastern Pennsylvania EMS Council which covers six counties. As of August, 2008 we re-certified at the advanced level.

To replace our aging 1982 squad truck, in January of 2006 we purchased a used 1993 International/Swab rescue truck from Macungie Fire Company at a cost of $65,000. Additional work at a cost of $22,649 was done and the truck was put into service in May 2007. This vehicle is also “QRS” certified through Eastern Pennsylvania EMS Council.

In March of 2007 the 1982 squad truck was sold for $5,000 to Walnutport Authority to be used as a utility vehicle.

We purchased a Polaris Ranger 700 ATV for $15,548.56 with a State Fire Commissioner grant. This was placed into service in February 2008. A skid unit for the ATV was purchased in July 2009 at a cost of $7,225. The unit is equipped with an 80 GPM pump, 50 gallon water tank, 5 gallon class “A” foam tank and patient transportation capability.

In July of 2008 we received a 1988 Ford F-350 crew-cab pickup truck from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry at no cost. After painting, lettering and the installation of emergency warning lights, compartments and radio’s, the vehicle was placed into service as a utility vehicle.

In April, 2008 we received a $67,488.00 FEMA grant to purchase a safety trailer, fire engine robot and “Sparky®” costume. These teaching aids were partly funded by a collaboration of the Northern Lehigh Emergency Services which consists of Emerald, Friedens, Slatedale, Slatington and Walnutport Fire Departments, Slatington and Walnutport Police Departments and Northern Valley EMS. The safety trailer was delivered October 1st, 2008.

On November 14, 2008 our department was awarded a FEMA grant in the amount of $261,250 to purchase an interface pumper. The Interface pumper was ordered on December 28, 2008 from KME Fire Apparatus in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania at a cost of $380,742. This new vehicle replaced our aging attack pumper and tanker. The new pumper was delivered September 3rd, 2009.
On January 11, 2009 the 1983 Saulsbury Attack pumper was sold to an individual in Fairview, Ohio for $9,000 and on February 7, 2009 the 1982 American LaFrance/Saulsbury tanker was sold to Mid America Fire Apparatus in Rogersville, Missouri.

On January 22, 2010 our department was awarded a FEMA grant in the amount of $16,247.00 to purchase a thermal imaging camera and two carboxyhemoglobin oximeters. The oximeters are used to determine the level of carbon monoxide within the blood by screening patients and firefighters alike. We also have donated one of the oximeters to Northern Valley EMS to be used for firefighter rehab at large fire scenes.

On April 16, 2010 our department was awarded a regional FEMA grant in the amount of $203,931.00 to purchase fourty-two mobile data terminals that will be installed in emergency apparatus. This grant was partly funded by a collaboration of the Northampton County Sector 4 Emergency Services that consist of Bath, Northampton, North Catasauqua, Walnutport, Allen Township, East Allen Township, Lehigh Township and Moore Township Fire Departments and Bath, East Allen Township, Moore Township and Northampton Regional Emergency Medical Services.

On June 19 & 26, 2010 we co-hosted, along with the Slatington Fire Department, the 113th Annual Four County Firemen’s convention and parade.

Today, the Diamond Fire Company proudly protects approximately 2,100 people living in an area of less than two square miles. We operate out of one station that protects a primarily residential and small business area. Our department’s members are 100% volunteer and our fire district has an ISO rating of 4.

Even though Walnutport Borough is physically located in Northampton County, the Diamond Fire Company is primarily, and always has been dispatched by the Lehigh County 9-1-1 Center located in Allentown. However, effective in 2008, our station can also be dispatched by Northampton County 9-1-1 Center when responding mutual aid with Northampton County fire departments.

Since March of 2000, our department has been a participant of the Pennsylvania Fire Service Certification Program. We also have placed in service three Automated External Defibrillators (AED) that we run automatically with our local EMS provider (Northern Valley EMS) on cardiac arrests and unconscious persons. Our department is well trained and equipped with the most modern equipment available.

This shows that we continue to strive to better serve the safety and welfare of our fellow citizens and neighboring communities.

The Diamond Fire Company is owned and operated by its members, having to raise funds to purchase equipment, meet the overhead on equipment and keep our property maintained. The Borough of Walnutport, through tax dollars, also provides much needed funds to pay the insurance on our equipment, apparatus and station, training expenses, fuel and fire equipment for which we are very grateful. We also have in the past and continue to have an excellent working relations with Walnutport Borough Council to provide the best possible emergency services for our citizens.

We want to thank our old-timers for giving us a good start and we want to thank all the people who have supported us in the past, as well as today. Our goal is to furnish the most well trained and supply the best firefighting equipment and protection that we possibly can.
Our Station
Engine Bay
Engine Bay
Crew Room / Lounge
Maintenance / Cascade Room
Training / Conference Room
Fire Chief's Office
Line Officer's Office
Equipment / Gear Room
The Old Station, Then and Now
(View from Main St.)
(View from our current station on Washington St.)

APPARATUS

ENGINE - Lehigh Co.-ENGINE 29 /
Northampton Co.-4411

This vehicle was custom built for Diamond Fire Company in 2009. It is on a 4-wheel drive 7400-series WorkStar chassis built by International Trucks and the body was built in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania by KME Fire Apparatus. It has seating for 5 firefighters, a 500-gallon water tank and a 1500 GPM pump with 20 gallons each of class “A” and class “B” foam with pump-and-roll capability and a front turret nozzle.

2010 International/KME
Interface Pumper

TRUCK - Lehigh Co.- Quint 29 /
Northampton Co.-4421

This vehicle was custom built for Diamond Fire Company in 2002. The chassis was built in Cleveland, North Carolina and the body/ladder was built in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. The ladder truck has seating for 6 firefighters and is powered by a Detroit Diesel with an Allison Automatic Transmission. It is equipped with a 75′ ladder, a 2000 GPM pump and 500 gallons of water. This vehicle is first out to all dwelling and structure fires.

2002 75′ American LaFrance/LTI Quint

RESCUE - Lehigh Co.-RESCUE ENGINE 29 / Northampton Co.-4441

This vehicle was custom built for Diamond Fire Company by Saulsbury Fire Apparatus in Tully, New York in 1995. The rescue-pumper has seating for 10 firefighters and is powered by a Detroit Diesel with an Allison Automatic Transmission. It has a 1750 GPM pump and 750 gallons of water. It is equipped with the Hurst “Jaws of Life”. This vehicle responds to all motor vehicle accidents, hazardous material incidents and structure fires.

1995 Spartan/Saulsbury
Rescue Pumper

SQUAD - Lehigh Co.- SPECIAL SERVICE 29 / Northampton Co.-4442

This vehicle was custom built for The Macungie Fire Department, and Purchased used in 2006. It has an on-board Cascade system. It carries Some rescue equipment, hazmat, first-aid, and spill equipment. It also is fully equipped with fire police equipment and rear directional arrow board with scene lighting. This truck responds to all hazmat, Accident, and Rehab Assignments. It is 2nd due for all QRS calls.  

 

1993 International Swab 
Walk in Utility Body 

UTILITY - Lehigh Co.- UTILITY 29 /
Northampton Co.-4443

This vehicle was ordered in January 20, 2014 through KME Fire Apparatus in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania and placed in service in August 21, 2014. This vehicle will be used for carrying additional personnel and equipment to emergency scenes as well as pulling our fire safety trailer, ATV and boat.

2015 Ford F-350 4X4 Crew Cab
Utility Truck with Reading Body

ATV - Lehigh Co.-UTV 29 /
Northampton Co.-4449

We purchased a Polaris Ranger 700 ATV for $15,548.56 with a State Fire Commissioner grant. This was placed into service in February 2008. This vehicle is equipped with a skid unit (80 GPM Pump / 50 GAL Water Tank / 5 GAL Class “A” Foam Tank) including a patient transport area and is used for off-road incidents and special functions within the Borough and surrounding communities.

Polaris Ranger 700 ATV

Image Coming Soon

UTILITY - Lehigh Co.-UTILITY 29-1 /
Northampton Co.-4445

This vehicle will be used for carrying additional personnel and equipment to emergency scenes as well as pulling our fire safety trailer, ATV and boat. 

Ford F-250 4X4  
Utility Truck with Bed Slide and Cap

2998

BOAT - Lehigh Co.-BOAT 29 /
Northampton Co.-44 Marine 1

We ordered a 14′ Inflatable Zodiac Boat in January 2014 that was funded jointly through the PA State Fire Commissioner grant and Horsehead Development grant. The boat was delivered on April 30, 2014 and placed into service on July 30, 2014. This Boat is kept deflated and in a bag for storage to be able to carried to waters that are not easily accessible.

In 2022 We received our Second Boat. It is a 16` Rescue one boat and trailer. This boat is kept inflated for rapid deployment. The trailer was custom built and modified by Rescue one and Rehrig`s Repair of Walnutport.

 

2014 14` Zodiac 30 Hp Evinrude 
2020 16` Rescue One 50 Hp Mercury
2022 Rescue One / Rehrig`s Repair Custom Trailer

RETIRED APPARATUS

Engine 2911

This vehicle was custom built for Diamond Fire Company by American LaFrance in Elmira, New York in 1963. It was equipped with a 1,000 gallon water tank and 1,000 gallon per minute pump.

1963 American LaFrance Pumper

Engine 2911 (Refurbished)

In 1986, this vehicle was completely refurbished by American LaFrance at its former Service Center in Dunmore, PA. This engine has seating for five firefighters and is powered by a Detroit Diesel with an Allison Automatic Transmission. It responded as a back up engine to most fire emergencies. It was equipped with a 500 gallon water tank and a 1,500 GPM pump.

1963 American LaFrance Pumper
Refurbished in 1986
In May of 2000, this vehicle was sold to Elkland Fire Department in Tioga County, PA.

Engine 2912

This vehicle was custom built for Diamond Fire Company by American LaFrance in Elmira, New York in 1969. It was equipped with a 500 gallon water tank and 250 gallon per minute H.P. pump.

1969 American LaFrance Pioneer Pumper

In 1982, this unit was sold to Fannett Metal Fire Company, Dry Run (Franklin County), Pennsylvania.

1969 Pioneer Pumper at Fannett Metal Fire Co.

It was then sold to the Turbot Township Fire Company, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania.

Tanker 2921

This vehicle was custom built for the Diamond Fire Company by Saulsbury Fire Apparatus in Tully, New York in 1982. This vehicle was used to provide water supply to areas where fire hydrants do not exist. This tanker has seating for five firefighters and is powered by a Detroit Diesel with an Allison Automatic Transmission. It has a 3,200-gallon water tank.

This vehicle was refurbished by Swab in October of 2003.

Truck 2931

This vehicle was custom built for Diamond Fire Company by American LaFrance in Elmira, New York in 1981. It was equipped with a 75′ ladder, 500 gallon water tank and 1,500 gallon per minute pump.

1981 American LaFrance
75′ Water Chief
In May of 2000, this vehicle was sold to Elkland Fire Department in Tioga County, PA.

1981 American LaFrance Water Chief in service at Elkland, Pa

Truck 2931 (2001)

This vehicle was custom built for Diamond Fire Company in 2001. The chassis was built in Cleveland, North Carolina and the body/ladder was built in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. The ladder truck had seating for 6 firefighters and was powered by a Detroit Diesel with an Allison automatic transmission. It was equipped with a 75′ ladder, a 2000 GPM pump and 500 gallons of water. However, due to an engineering error, the vehicle was overweight and had to be re-built on a tandem axle chassis at American LaFrance’s expense.

Squad 2951

This vehicle was purchased in 1982 and converted into a squad truck to carry additional fire equipment to the scene of emergencies. The squad truck had seating for 3 fire personnel and was powered by a 6.2 Liter Diesel Engine with an Automatic Transmission. This vehicle was used primarily by fire police for traffic control functions, however, was also used for spill control incidents and pump details.

It was replaced in March of 2006 with a 1993 International/Swab 19′ rescue truck which was purchased from the Macungie Fire Company and converted into a squad truck. In March of 2007 this vehicle was sold to Walnutport Authority to be used as a utility vehicle.

1982 Chevrolet Step Van

Attack 2971

This vehicle was custom built for Diamond Fire Company by Saulsbury Fire Apparatus in Tully, New York in 1983. This vehicle responded on all medical emergencies and brush fires. It was equipped with an Automatic External Defibrillator.

In January of 2009 this vehicle was sold to an individual in Fairview, Ohio.

Brush 2961

This vehicle was obtained from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry in May of 1999 and after extensive refurbishing, the vehicle was placed into service in May of 2000. This vehicle is used for brush fires and wildland fires and is also used for rescue incidents along the Lehigh Canal Towpath. It has a 500-gallon water tank, 300 gallon per minute pump and numerous brush equipment.

The vehicle was placed out of service on September 2, 2014 and returned to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry. It then went to the Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company.

1970 /89 AMC Kaiser 6X6
Brush/Wildfire Truck

UTILITY - Lehigh Co.-2993 / Northampton Co.-4445

This vehicle was obtained from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry in 2008. The vehicle had all paint and body work performed by Sules Collision Center, Slatington, Pennsylvania. All lettering was completed by Bill Neyer of Scribble’s and Drip’s and all emergency lighting was installed by our own personnel. The vehicle was placed into service in June of 2009 and is used for carrying additional personnel and equipment to emergency scenes as well as transporting fire personnel to fire training classes.

1989 Ford F-350 4X4 Crew Cab
Utility Truck

SOCIAL QUARTERS

MONTHLY MEETINGS WILL BE HELD THE SECOND MONDAY OF THE MONTH AT 7:00 PM. IN THE OFFICE OF THE SOCIAL QUARTERS

BINGO IS HELD EVERY TUESDAY AND SATURDAY.

THE SOCIAL HALL IS AVAILABLE FOR RENT BY CALLING 610-767-8476.

Fire Company Officers for 2023

President-Wayne Weidner

Vice President- William Verba

Financial Secretary-Brittany Smith

Secretary / Treasurer -Tammy Karchner

Trustee-David Stankovic

Trustee-Craig Wilt

Trustee-Keith Kibler

Trustee-Charles Gaston

Trustee-Harold Greene

Trustee-Michael Wentz

Social Quarters (Bar Room)

100 Washington St.
Walnutport, PA 18088
610-224-9307

See Our Facebook Page for Hours, Food, and Drink Specials.

Social Hall (Bingo)

110 Main St.
Walnutport, PA 18088
610-767-8476

Fire Station

209 Washington Street
Walnutport, PA 18088-1454
610-767-9629

MAILING ADDRESSES

FIRE DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box 209
Walnutport, PA 18088-0209

ADMINISTRATIVE / SOCIAL
P.O. Box 176
Walnutport, PA 18088-0176

PERSONNEL

FIRE OFFICERS

NAME RANK ID # ACTIVE SINCE
Michael Wentz Fire Chief / FO-I / EMT Chief 29 1981
Shawn Trone Deputy Chief / FF I / EMR Deputy 29 1991
Paul Warnken Jr. Assistant Chief/ FF I Assistant 29 2004
Craig Wilt Jr. Captain / FF I Captain 29 2009
Kyle Kromer Lieutenant/ FF1/ EMR Lieutenant 29 2012
Harold Greene Safety Officer / EMT Safety 29 1987-2020, 2023
Dean Heffelfinger Fire Marshall/ CFI/ EMT FM-29 2019
Brian Haas Chaplain 2940 2010

FIREFIGHTERS

NAME RANK ID # ACTIVE SINCE
T. B. Firefighter II / EMT 2923 2007
Matthew Druker Firefighter I / EMR 2908 2003
Frank Gnas Firefighter I 2930 2017
Bryce Greene Firefighter / EMT 2924 2012-2020, 2022
Dustin Greene Firefighter 2914 2021
Darin Handwerk Firefighter 2922 2019
Christopher Hausman Firefighter 2932 2008
Jeffrey Henritzy Firefighter I / EMR 2926 2013
Shaun Horner Firefighter 2913 2023
Nicholas Kaercher Firefighter / EMR 2927 2013
Keith Kibler Firefighter 2919 2022
Aaron Kromer Firefighter 2925 2013
Matthew Kuntz Firefighter I/ EMR 2921 2012
Robert Laudenslager FireFighter 2928 2020
Brian Lutz Firefighter I / EMR 2931 2012
William Miller Firefighter I 2918 2016
Jonathan Olewine Firefighter II / EMT 2911 1993
Ryan Schmoyer Firefighter II / EMT 2934 2008
David Silfies Firefighter/ EMR 2920 1998
Brandon Smith Firefighter 2917 2016
Ricky Smith Firefighter 2912 1986
Stephen Sook Firefighter 2915 2017
Aaron Stahlnecker Firefighter 2933 2019
Patrick Stankovic Firefighter / PARAMEDIC 2919 2005
William Vogel Firefighter/ EMR 2929 2005
William Verba Firefighter 2916 2016
Leah Wentz Junior Firefighter 2935 2022

FIRE POLICE

NAME RANK ID # ACTIVE SINCE
Wayne Weidner Fire Police Captain 29-1 1986
Bob Blum Fire Police Lieutenant 29-2 2015
James Batdorf Fire Police Officer 29-3 2005
Stephen Sook Fire Police Officer 29-4 2017
Rhiannon Kuntz Fire Police Officer 29-5 2021
Aubrey Baranowski Fire Police Officer 29-7 2021
Barbara Stankovic Reserve Fire Police Officer 29-6 2007

IN MEMORIAM

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

This page is dedicated to all of the deceased members and respected friends of the Diamond Fire Company. Their memories are held in the highest regard and they are dearly missed by the community, their family members and the present members of the company.

Kelton "Kelly" Wentz - 1986

(Retired Fire Chief / Financial Secretary - Diamond Fire Company)

Sherwood "Bunky" Wentz - 2000

(Retired Assistant Chief / President- Diamond Fire Company)

Steven Ruch - 2002

(President/ Firefighter - Diamond Fire Company)

Senator James Rhoades - 2008

(Supporter / Friend of Diamond Fire Company)

George Pascoe - 2009

(Retired Fire Police Office - Diamond Fire Company)

John "Jack" Kelly, Sr. - 2009

(Retired Fire Chief - Western Salisbury Fire Department)

John "Jack" Kuller, Jr. - 2011

(Fire Chief - Lehighton Fire Department)

Robert "Bob" Walper III - 2011

(Fire Police Lieutenant - Diamond Fire Company)

Gary "Lumpy" Koons - 2013

(Retired Fire Chief/ Assistant Fire Chief - Aquashicola Fire Department)

L. Jacob "Jakey" Merkel - 2014

(Retired Fire Chief / President- Friedens Fire Company)

Robert "Bob" Benner - 2016

(Fire Chief- Whitehall Township Fire Department)

Clarence Reph- 2016

(Board of Directors Diamond Fire Co. - 60 Years)

William Ingles - 2017

(Past Firefighter - Diamond Fire Company)

Henry Kline - 2018

(Board Member - Diamond Fire Company)

Charles Fritz - 2018

(Assistant Chief / Board Member - Diamond Fire Company)

Joan Rehrig - 2020

( Reserve Fire Police - Diamond Fire Company)

Brenda Horn - 2020

Firefighter / President - Slatedale Fire Department

Marvin Gruber LODD 12-7-2022

(Firefighter - Community Fire Co. New Tripoli)

Zachary Paris LODD 12-7-2022

(Assistant Chief - Community Fire Co. New Tripoli)

Joseph "Joe" P. Druckenmiller - 2022

(Photographer - Diamond Fire Company)

Osville "ozzie" C Paules - 2022

(Vice President - Diamond Fire Company)

Earl G. Snyder Sr.

(Past Firefighter / Board Member - Diamond Fire Company)

Bruce Wolfe - 2023

(Past Chief - Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company)

John Kalynych LODD 8-27-23

(Past Deputy Chief / Safety Officer /Special Operations Chief and Director Emergency Management - Catasauqua Fire Department - Lower Saucon Fire Department - Lehigh County EMA

Susan Schneck 2024

(President Lady Auxiliary - Past Treasurer Diamond Fire Company)

Fireman's Prayer

When I am called to duty God
where flames may rage;

Give me the strength to save some life,
whatever the age;

Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late;

To save an older person
from the horror of that fate;

Enable me to be alert
and hear the weakest shout;

And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out;

I want to fill my calling,
and to give the best in me;

To guard my every neighbor,
and protect his property;

And if according to your will,
I have to lose my life;

Please bless with your protecting hand,
my children and my wife.

Address Markers

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RESPONSES

2024 MONTHLY CALL TOTALS BY MUNICIPALITY

MUNICIPALITY JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC TOTALS
Walnutport Borough 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Slatington Bourough 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lehigh Township 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pennsylvania Turnpike 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Washington Township 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lower Towamensing Twsp 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Northampton borough 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lynn Township 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Moore Township 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
N. Whitehall Township 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Address

DIAMOND FIRE COMPANY
PO BOX 209
WALNUTPORT PA 18088

610-767-9629
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