On November 12, 1947, thirty residents organized the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department with a simple promise: protect life and property through dedication and service. More than seventy-five years later, that promise still drives us. Our firefighters train to modern standards, operate state-of-the-art apparatus, and carry forward the values, work ethic, and knowledge passed down by generations before us. While equipment and techniques have evolved, our mission has stayed the same—serve with courage, compassion, and professionalism.
Use the timeline below to explore milestones that shaped our department—from our first fundraiser and early apparatus to landmark calls, new station construction, EMS licensure, and the latest aerial entering service. We remain steadfast in our duty and vow to continue this service for years to come.
Department Organized
Thirty residents establish the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department, turning vision into reality.
First Fundraiser
Raffle brings in $402 to support the brand-new department.
First Fire Truck Purchased
East McKeesport engine acquired for $500, launching our apparatus fleet.
First Fire Call
Brush fire on Forest Grove Road marks our first official response.
First Fire Station Completed
A permanent home for our members and apparatus is finished for $7,079.64.
Arnold Farm Fire
Major incident with loss of 2 barns, 33 cows, and 5 horses.
First New Engine Ordered
Ford Engine 2 purchased for $16,000—our first factory-new rig.
Award of Merit
Department receives Kennedy Township’s Award of Merit.
20th Anniversary Celebration
Members and community celebrate two decades of service at the Corpen Hotel.
First “Green” Engine Ordered
1987 Pierce Arrow (ordered Aug ’86) becomes our signature green engine—still in service for years to come.
Electric Bay Doors
Electric garage door openers installed to improve response times.
Tailboard Riding Ends
Safety first—members no longer permitted to ride on tailboards.
40th Anniversary
Four decades marked at Foster Plaza.
First Ladder Truck Purchased
Ladder acquired from West Park for $25,000—Robinson Township’s first and only Truck Company.
Current Fire Station Completed
We move into a modern station to support growing operations.
50th Anniversary
Department celebrates a half-century of service at the DoubleTree.
New Aerial Delivered
First new aerial arrives at a cost of $700,000, expanding our capabilities.
Dispatched by Allegheny County 911
We transition to county 911 for streamlined emergency dispatching.
New Engine 1 (Sutphen)
Engine 1 delivered at $475,000 to strengthen front-line response.
Search & Rescue Team
UTV and equipment purchased to launch SAR capabilities.
Christmas Eve Fire—Speer Dr (Kennedy Twp.)
Significant holiday response demonstrates teamwork and preparedness.
Passing of Bill Watt
Last surviving charter member passes—73 years after our founding.
First Female FF Achieves Firefighter I
Milestone certification reflects our inclusive, high-standard training culture.
Contract Signed—2023 Sutphen SPH 100’
Next-generation aerial project officially underway.
75th Anniversary Cruise
Members celebrate aboard the Gateway Clipper.
Aerial Construction Begins
SPH 100’ build starts in Dublin, OH.
EMS License Achieved
Department licensed by the PA Department of Health for EMS service.
New 2024 Sutphen SPH100 Delivered
New aerial is delivered and ceremonially pushed into the station.
New Truck Celebration
Station event with State Representative, State Senator, and media.
Final Call for 2001 Truck
Legacy truck removed from service one hour after its last run.
New Aerial In Service
2024 aerial officially placed into service Sunday evening.
Old Aerial Heads to Vermont
Former truck sold to Castleton FD to continue its service.
First Call—New Aerial
Fire Marshal detail in Kennedy Township marks the aerial’s first response.
First International FF Achieves Firefighter I
Another certification milestone expands our global ties and pride.
Pump Operator—Pro Board
Eight drivers complete national Pump Operator Pro Board certification.
Wildland Firefighter Type 2
First three members earn Wildland FF2 certifications.
Independence Day Fire—Woodland Dr (Kennedy Twp.)
Fourth of July response underscores our readiness and resilience.