Here is the first Engine the CVFC ever had and it was built by the charter members by hand and featured a chemical tank, which combined basically baking soda with a powerful acid to produce pressure to move the water from the tank thru a hose. They mounted Lloyd Tredway’s chemical tank onto William Axford’s Pierce Arrow chassis in Morris Chamberlain’s garage and the first apparatus was on-line. The GPM or gallons per minuet are unknown for this engine but its safe to say it wasn't very much and they likely only carried 50 gallons of water, bear in mind this engine was build by members in 1921.

Fast forward to 2024 and we have our 2020 Pierce Enforcer. This engine is considered to be the work horse of our fleet because it is first due to most calls just as that first engine was in 1921. However this engine is equipped with a 1500 gallon per minute pump with compressed air foam capabilities and a 1000-gallon water tank. Gone are the "chemical" reaction days to produce pressure to move water. One operator of this engine can get 1000 gallons of water onto a fire in less then three minuets.

This is how the company has evolved in just over 100 years to provide protection to the citizens of Chester its pretty amazing to think of. Do you think you can make a difference by becoming a firefighter? Come down and see what we do on Wednesdays from 7-9 PM or Sundays from 9-11 AM or click the link below for more information and apply online for membership.