Union Fire Company

Nicknamed 'Benjamin Franklin's Bucket Brigade', the Union Fire Company is a volunteer fire department formed in 1736 after Franklin and others had pointed out the need for a more effective handling of fires in a couple of publications in the 'Pennsylvania Gazette'. The company is limited to thirty members who meet eight times a year. Together with the 'Hand in Hand Fire & Life Insurance Society', the Union Fire Company bought a fire bell in 1752 which they placed on Fourth Street. When the bell rings it can be heard throughout the city. To stop fire, the Company uses buckets, ladders and two hooks, but they have plans on buying a fire hose. As the Company is a bit short on funds at the moment and the members have already paid their fees, a grant from the government would be appreciated and the bigger the grant, the longer the fire hose.