Typed and shared by Christine Lorraine Morgan, Jan. 17, 2026

Please take a moment to read this important historical account.

Presented by the Lawrence Park Historical Society, Erie County PA – compiled by John W. Teker in around 1990:

“Lawrence Park has one of the best equipped volunteer fire departments in the county with two powerful modern pumpers, a combined aerial extension ladder pumper truck, a heavy rescue vehicle and an ambulance, plus strategic location of fire hydrants in the community.

“This fire department has come a long way in its 80 year history. It began in 1910 when the first General Electric Buildings 10 and 18 were being built and Lawrence Park was still on the drawing board. The Erie City horse-drawn steam fire engines were four miles away with a sea of muddy roads between. It was prudent to have fire protection on the spot. So the first Fire Chief, Jack Sheldon, organized volunteer firemen from the construction force and obtained a two-wheel hose cart for the men to pull to a fire.

“Such equipment served until 1920 when a Ford Ladder and Hose Truck was purchased. Also, a firehouse was built on Rankine Avenue just south of Main Street. Then the Gamewell Fire Alarm System was installed with 65 red call boxes throughout the township. When a fire alarm was pulled at any box, a coded signal rang a tapper bell in every fireman’s home to give a fire location. This system was abandoned in favor of electronic beepers carried by each fireman wherever he goes.

“As community needs grew, the larger apparatus outgrew the little firehouse and a larger building was built in 1938 at Silliman and Main streets with a second floor for township office space and meeting hall.

“The World War II expansion at General Electric, Lake Cliff, schools and traffic incidents called for new versatile fire/rescue. An addition to the fire house was built in the 1970s with higher doors and space.

“But, all this modern high-tech apparatus is useless without our trained volunteer firefighters and fire police who dedicate their time and effort for our protection. We are seldom aware of these citizens until a disaster strikes.

“Over the years, each fireman in his time has served to meet the needs of the community. One of these veteran firemen, William H. Lytle, was awarded the highest honor ever to a Lawrence Park citizen for his 32 years of service as a Fire Chief. He was presented with a trophy and a Gold Badge by Chief John Humphrey in 1957 naming him Honorary Chief of the Department.

“As a boy, Lytle had an unswerving ambition to be a fireman which was fully realized. Lytle was made chief when the apparatus was still the man-drawn hose cart. He also was fire chief at General Electric where the experience helped to make our Lawrence Park Fire Department the best equipped in Erie County.

“In 1926, Lytle was instrumental in the organization of the Erie County Volunteer Firemen’s Association and served as Vice President in 1934. His leadership was a positive influence in the development of the Volunteer Fire Department System here and in Erie County. Lawrence Park can be proud of its historic heritage.

“Compiled by John W. Teker for the Lawrence Park Historical Society with credits to Lysle Stauss, Erie Times News, 1920 Coupler and Lawrence Park Fire Chief Larry Pietrasiewicz.”

Lawrence Park’s present Fire Station on Main Street

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Lawrence Park Fire Department truck in the 2025 Fourth of July Parade.

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Lawrence Park ambulance in the 2025 Fourth of July Parade.

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Array of vehicles at the Lawrence Park Fire Department, guessing this is in the 1960s based on the red Cadillac ambulance.

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Lawrence Park fire officials c. 1962 ~ R. Schiefelbein, Bernie Fitch, Harley Whitney, Mike Wilson, Chuck Hess, Dick Davis (Chief), Walter Lynch c. 1962

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Red call boxes that were photographed at the Firefighters Historical Museum, 5th and Chestnut.

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Lawrence Park hook and ladder truck from the past.