The borough of Womelsdorf was founded in 1762 and was actually named Middletown for its location between Reading and Lebanon, PA. Fifty years later the borough was renamed after it's founder John Womelsdorf.

The history of the fire protection notes that as early as 1815 members of the local fire companies were required to keep buckets by their door in the event of a fire to start or continue bucket brigade operations. It was not until 1833 when the first piece of apparatus was purchased which was a hand pumper. The first actual fire station was built in 1845. At one point 3 different fire companies occupied the borough (Humane, America, and Columbia). It was not until 1895 when a concerned citizen (who would become the first fire chief) prompted the citizens to consider just operating one fire company. He was successful, and two years later a new firehouse and town hall were erected.

Fast forwarding to 1980, the apparatus and members moved into the current quarters located at 501 W. High St.

Today, the Womelsdorf VFC handles over 300 calls per year with close to 35 active members. The Borough of Womelsdorf is located in the extreme west of Berks County right at the Lebanon County line. The coverage area for the company is .087 sq. Miles of Womelsdorf and then jumps to 24.2 sq. Miles of Heidelberg Township which gives them a wide range of residential housing, commercial businesses , and rural areas to cover in their first due. Station 47 operates with one engine, a quint, a tanker, and attack.


A special thanks to Chief Martin for the assistance with this article.


*On May 30th, of this year the Womelsdorf VFC will be celebrating their 125th anniversary with a parade and ceremony among other activities.