Bressler’s present firehouse was built in 1936, the same year the company bought a new fire engine. The Ladies Auxiliary was formed in 1937 and helped pay for the new equipment. Then in 1945, Friendship Fire Co. bought a one-story frame building a block up from the firehouse, which the company dedicated its social club there 11 years later.

In 1956, we purchased our first ambulance, to add to our engine. It was used until 1963 when a new one was purchased. We no longer provide Ambulance service, as that is contracted through Community Life Team EMS.

In 1959, the company appointed a committee to travel to Elmira, N.Y. and bought an American LaFrance pumper, which a member painted with a colorful insignia symbolic of Bressler: a red and white square, the Croatian coat of arms for the people of Croatian heritage who founded the company; a triangle and eye for god-fearing citizens; an eel for Swatara Township; a keystone for Pennsylvania; a muscular arm and ax for firefighters; and an old horse cart to show how far the company has come.

In 1964, we undertook two very large projects. The interior of the social quarters was completely renovated, while at the same time, an addition was put on to the firehouse.

Then in 1966, the land situated at Center and Penn streets was acquired. This land was filled in and made into two baseball fields, as well as, a large picnic area for the community to enjoy. The Fire Company has always, and continues, to give back to the community. We still maintain the park today. The Friendship Fire Company has become known over the years for its willingness to help neighboring companies.

Early in 1975, we purchased a truck from Penn. Power & Light Co. The company set out to paint it and equip it. This truck was to give aerial support to the engine. It was called Aerial 41 better known as the “The Bucket Truck”. This piece went out of service in 1982, since it couldn’t compete with modern tower trucks.

In 1984, the company put into service a new 1984 Sutphen custom pumper. This piece still serves the community today as Engine 91, the Reserve/Spare Engine for Swatara Township. Also, in the late eighties, with the help of donations, the company used an old bread truck and converted it into a mobile cascade system. This was done by the company members and a local Vo-Tech school. Then in 1995, Swatara Township purchased a new Lexington Air / Light Unit through the Township fire tax, which was put in place to help the Township Fire Companies purchase equipment, apparatus, and for training firefighters.

In 2013, the fire station received another addition. This addition squared off the building and increased storage space for gear, equipment, apparatus, and training.