From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Where We Started
The Lawrence Park Volunteer Fire Department was founded in 1910 alongside the construction of the first General Electric buildings, when Chief Jack Sheldon organized volunteers from the construction workforce and equipped them with a simple two-wheel hose cart. By 1920, the department had acquired a Ford Ladder and Hose Truck and built its first firehouse on Rankine Avenue, later moving to a larger station at Silliman and Main Streets in 1938. A standout figure from this era, Chief William H. Lytle, served 32 years and was honored in 1957 with a Gold Badge and the title of Honorary Chief, having also helped found the Erie County Volunteer Firemen’s Association in 1926.
Where We Are Now
Through the mid-20th century, wartime expansion at General Electric and growing community needs pushed the department to continually upgrade, resulting in a major firehouse addition in the 1970s to house larger, more modern apparatus. By around 1990, the fleet had grown to include one Engine, an aerial ladder truck, a rescue vehicle, and an ambulance. Today, volunteers continue serving Lawrence Park Township and surrounding municipalities, dedicating their time to training in fire response, Emergency Medical Services, and rescue operations, while also supporting community outreach programs.
