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Our History (con't) In 1907, the fire alarm committee reported that several of the area churches agreed to ring the church bells in time of fire. The company also appointed C.E. Mate to oil the newly installed fire hydrants and remove snow during winter months. A volunteer firemen’s Relief Association was finally formed on December 13, 1913, with J. Benton Warner elected as president. A disability fund was started with all members of the fire company eligible provided that they pay $1.10 in joining and 50 cents per year in dues. In 1916, Leo Fire Company hosted the convention of the Fireman’s Association of York County with a parade and other festivities. Nine members were fined $1 for not appearing and marching in the parade. Here others were exonerated due to sickness, and one other because he could not find his cap. Fines were again issued to members who did not appear in the Hanover parade the following year. A test of the existing water system in 1916 revealed many hydrants flowing insufficient water for the steamer. This resulted in the first upgrading of the water system and a gradual increase in the number of hydrants in town. Leo Fire Company acquired its first piece of motorized apparatus in 1919, when the borough purchased and gave to the company a 600 G.P.M. American LaFrance pumper at a cost of $11,000. Red Lion was permanent headquarters for the LOCAL BOARD FO DIVISION No. 2, County of York, State of Pennsylvania during World War I. Offices were opened at the Leo Fire Engine House, July 30, 1917. The decade of the 1920’s was one of expansion of functions for the company members. Borough council gave the fire chief the authority to send fire apparatus to neighboring towns without first contacting the Chief Burgess for permission. Five members were appointed to “act as police during fire or where the engine is tested,” thus forming the first fire police brigade in the company’s history. In 1921 discussion was held on improving the present alarm system with the electric motor siren to replace the church bells. In May the company purchased its first breathing apparatus, two army-surplus gas masks. By 1925 wiring was completed in the new siren alarm system. After passage of an ordinance permitting it, the wires for this system were strung from the electric and telephone poles. A siren and platform were installed on the roof of the engine house.
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