08/31/2026
For early firefighters in Chambersburg, fighting a fire meant manpower, leather buckets and plenty of teamwork. Over time, firefighting changed and technology was enhanced and the engines were introduced to Chambersburg.
According to the Chambersburg Fire Department's historical records, around 1800, Philip Berlin brought the first hand engine to Chambersburg from Lancaster by Conestoga wagon. In 1838-the company was incorporated under the title of “Friendship Fire Company.
Decades later, Chambersburg firefighters would move from hand-powered equipment to steam-powered fire engines and eventually motorized apparatus.
Some of that evolution can still be seen today at the Chambersburg Volunteer Fireman's Museum.
Every piece of old equipment tells part of the story of how firefighters learned to fight fires more effectively—and how technology changed the job.
