Sligo Fire Dept

10/31/1957 Cancel Parade — SLIGO - The annual Halloween parade in Sligo, sponsored by the Volunteer Fire Department and scheduled for tonight, has been cancelled. The announcement was made by Arthur Lewis, general chairman of the affair. The cancellation was attributed to the sickness in the Sligo area.

12/10/1964 Sligo Firemen Elect Officers at Meeting

SLIGO - An election of officers was held at the December meeting of the Sligo Fire Company, Monday in the fire hall.

Officers elected for the coming year are: Jack Phillips, president; Frank Craig, vice-president; Gale Muir, secretary; and Chet Smith, treasurer.

Carlton Murray, Ronald Muir, Paul Elder, W.C. Bracken and Ardel Kuhns were elected trustees. Ed Sedgwick will be fire chief; Ab Klingensmith, second fire chief; and Carl Vogle, third fire chief.

1968 — Sligo RD1 Family Loses Belongings as Fire Hits Home

A fire of undetermined origin swept through a two-story aluminum-sided house near the Licking Presbyterian Church on the Curllsville-New Bethlehem road Sunday morning, leaving a family of seven homeless.

Firemen from Sligo and New Bethlehem answered the alarm which was sounded at 11:30 a.m.

The Sligo RD1 home was owned by Earl Bryant. Sligo Fire Chief Roy Courson, whose company was first on the scene, said that the Bryant house was engulfed by flames when the truck arrived. He estimated the damages at approximately $14,000. Both Rimersburg and Clarion fire companies were on standby.

Mr. and Mrs. Bryant and their five children were attending Sunday School at the Church of the Nazarene in Sligo when the fire apparently started near the center of the house. Upon arriving home, members of the family saw smoke when they neared the house, and when the door was opened, the flames broke out.

With no telephone available in the area, the members of the family returned to Sligo to sound the alarm. The two fire companies that responded were able to save a two-car garage near the house, but the house itself was beyond saving when they arrived. They were on the scene for two hours.

Bryant stated that the home and furnishings were partially covered by insurance. It was reported that had the fire occurred during the night, the family could have had difficulty in leaving the house. The family dog was lost in the blaze.

The Bryant family stayed at the home of Mrs. Bryant's sister, Mrs. Emmett McHenry of Sligo. It was reported that they have received offers of temporary homes and are seeking one in the New Bethlehem area since the Bryant children attend the Redbank Valley schools.

The family stated that they had received clothes and groceries from the Red Cross and also clothing and furnishings from people in the area.

Sligo Area Family of 7 Left Homeless by Blaze — By Marjorie Boltz, Derrick Correspondent

SLIGO - Seven members of a family were left homeless Sunday morning in the Churchville area, not far from the Licking Presbyterian Church, when fire destroyed their two-story home while they attended church services in Sligo.

Mr. and Mrs. Earl Bryant of Sligo RD1, five of their children who live at home and a married son and his wife were attending Sunday School at the Church of the Nazarene in Sligo when the fire broke.

The Sligo Fire Company, first to arrive at the scene, was unable to save the house which was completely engulfed in flames by the time firemen arrived.

The Bryants oldest son and his wife, who lives in Clarion but who had spent Saturday night at home to help their parents celebrate their anniversary, returned to the family home following Sunday School, along with two younger Bryant boys.

They did not notice the smoke until they reached the house, but when they opened the door the air caused an explosion as the whole house was filled with flames.

John Ecker, who lives across the road, had left his home a few minutes before they arrived and he had seen no sign of fire at the Bryant home.

Unable to get help in the area, some of the children drove back to Sligo to sound the alarm.

Sligo firemen, assisted by the New Bethlehem Fire Company which brought two trucks to the scene, were able to save the garage, situated less than 40 feet from the house.

The garage contained an automobile, tools, many batteries, etc.

Mr. and Mrs. Bryant owned the frame home which they had remodeled about five years ago and had covered with aluminum siding. The home and furnishings were partially covered by insurance.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. It started in the center of the house. Both heating units were located on outside walls.

The Bryants consider themselves very fortunate because if the fire had started at night they would have been unable to leave the house because of the area in which the blaze broke out.

The children lost their pet dog in the fire.

The Bryant family is staying with Mr. and Mrs. Emmett McHenry of Sligo. Mrs. Bryant is a sister of Mrs. McHenry.

They have several offers of temporary homes and would like to find one in the New Bethlehem area since their children attend the Redbank Valley Schools.

McHenry said that people have been wonderful about bringing in clothing and furnishings for the Bryants. The Red Cross has given each member of the family a complete outfit of clothing and has given the family groceries for one week.

Members of the Rimersburg and Clarion fire departments stood by.

6/11/1969 Oil City Derrick - 3 Members Accepted - SLIGO - Three new members were accepted and one member reinstated at the meeting of the Sligo Fire Company. The members are Samuel Richard Switzer, Russell Morris, Tom Greenawalt, and Sharon Cooper. A total of 14 members attended the meeting.

A Strawberry Festival will be held Thursday evening, June 12, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Sligo Fire Hall. All volunteers to help with the making of the ice cream are requested to come to the Fire Hall Wednesday evening. The Festival is sponsored by the Sligo Fire Company and the Sligo Ladies Fire Auxiliary.

A report was heard from Jerry Snyder, chairman of the Carnival Committee, regarding Carnival Week, which will be July 1-5. A special committee consisting of Ralph Burris, Ron Wetzel and Roy Courson was appointed to discuss plans on Carnival Week and make arrangements for parades, etc.

Bids on the new truck were received and a committee was appointed to survey each bid and make recommendations as to the final decision. The committee is comprised of Ron Wetzel, Junior Myers, Roy Courson, Sam Bruner, and Carlton Murray.

Tentative plans are for the Fire Company to attend the following parades: Brookville, June 21, morning parade; Corsica, July 4, 10:30 a.m.; East Brady, July 5 morning parade; Brockway, July 26, 6 p.m.; Clearfield County Fair, July 28, 7 p.m.; and North Washington, August 18, 7 p.m. Transcribed by Pamela Myers-Grewell

6/11/1969 Oil City Derrick - Auxiliary Meet Held - SLIGO - Mrs. Rachel Burns, chaplain of the Sligo Ladies Fire Auxiliary, opened their regular meeting with the reading of portions of scripture from St. Mark and St. Luke. The reading was followed by the Lord's Prayer and the Salute to the Flag. In attendance were Mrs. Miriam Kuhns, Mrs. Beulah Burris, Mrs. Pat Klingensmith, Mrs. Marie Johnston, Mrs. Charlene Myers, Mrs. Delaphene Davis, Mrs. Virginia Davis, Mrs. Lois Smith, Mrs. Pauline Muir, and Mrs. Burns. A discussion was held on the recreational program being organized in the community at the school building property and first plans were made for the Strawberry Festival being sponsored by the Auxiliary and the Sligo Fire Company. The Strawberry Festival will be held Thursday evening, June 12, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Sligo Fire Hall. On the menu will be homemade ice cream and strawberries. Hostesses for the evening were Mrs. Delaphene Davis and Mrs. Charlene Myers. Transcribed by Pamela Myers-Grewell

6/18/1969 Meeting Set Today — SLIGO - A special meeting has been called by the Sligo Ladies Fire Auxiliary to be held at 8 p.m. today. Plans are to be made for the carnival to be held July 1-5. No meeting will be held July 3.

8/16/1969 Oil City Derrick — Sligo Fire Company was granted permission by the board to use the Madison Street Playground at Sligo for a water battle August 23. Transcribed by Pamela Myers-Grewell.

Monday, January 19, 1970 The Derrick

FIRE COMPANY RESUMES REGULAR GAMES NIGHT

SLIGO - It was announced by the Sligo Fire Company that the games, held each Saturday beginning at 8 p.m., will resume Saturday.

The games had been postponed due to painting and repairing of the firehall and Tom Greenawalt, president, expressed his thanks to all who helped with the recent repairs. The public is invited to attend the games nights.

It was announced that applications for new memberships are being received. Anyone interested in joining the firemen should contact secretary, Gale Muir, telephone [omitted for transcription]. The membership fee is $2, per year.

One of the money raising projects will be the awarding of a snowmobile. Tickets are $2 each and the drawing will be held on Feb. 14. Tickets are available from any member of the fire company.

A report was given on the fire recently at the Leonard Brown home on the Dan Stahlman property at Curllsville. It was a chimney fire and damage confined to the attic and the side of the house. Minor damage was done to the contents.

It is expected that the new fire truck will be received the latter part of the month. Transcribed by Pamela Myers-Grewell

5/27/1970 Firemen Reschedule Softball Tournament

SLIGO - The Memorial weekend softball tournament, sponsored by the Sligo Firemen has been rescheduled for the weekend of June 6 and 7.

Games will still be played on the field at the Sligo Elementary School beginning at 10 a.m. and will be a single elimination tournament.

Teams interested in participating may contact Larry (Pep) Simpson or Art Campbell. Entry fee is $30.

A refreshment stand will be sponsored by the ladies auxiliary to the Sligo Fire Company.

8/12/1970 Bake Sale For Gathers Fund is Set — SLIGO - The ladies auxiliary to the Sligo Fire Company made plans to hold a bake sale for the Keith Gathers Fund. The bake sale will be held at the corner near the bank in the business area of Sligo on Friday beginning at 4 p.m. Donations of baked gods are being requested from all members of the auxiliary. In the absence of the president, the vice-president, Mrs. Kay Courson, conducted the business meeting. Nine members attended the meeting. President of the Fire Company, Tom Greenawalt, was present to solicit the assistance of the auxiliary of the fun carnival and other festivities sponsored by the firemen. It was reported that the event proved successful and thanks are expressed to all who helped in any way. It was announced that the auxiliary has purchased a set of weighing scales and a wall can opener for the kitchen at he firehall. Hostesses for the evening were Mrs. Donna Switzer and Mrs. Beulah Burris. Transcribed by Pamela Myers-Grewell

10/9/1970 Ladies Auxiliary Sponsors Booth — SLIGO - The Ladies Auxiliary to the Sligo Fire Company will sponsor a baked goods booth today at Clarion on Main Street during the Autumn Leaf Festival. The members working at the booth will be Mrs. Jenna Craig, Mrs. Betty Johnston, and Mrs. Arlie Curll.

During the business meeting a thank-you note was read from the Bloodmobile, expressing their thanks to the ladies for their assistance during the recent visit of the unit to Sligo.

The auxiliary decided to sponsor refreshment stands at the recreation center for the wrestling match to be held on October 17 and the country and western show on October 24.

Hostesses to the 13 members present were Mrs. Kay Courson and Mrs. Linda Salizzoni.

12/8/1970 Sligo Auxiliary Slates Yule Party Sunday - SLIGO & The Ladies Auxiliary of the Sligo Fire Company will hold a Christmas party at 6 p.m. Sunday at the fire hall. Firemen and auxiliary members should make reservations before Wednesday by phoning the secretary, Mrs. Linda Salizzoni, [phone]. Ham will be furnished. Each person should bring a covered dish and $1 gift marked man or woman. A homemade candy sale will be held at noon Friday at the fire hall. Candy may be sent to the fire hall Thursday evening or Friday morning. Proceeds will be used for the fire company. Mrs. Arlie Curll and Mrs. Lottie McCall were hostesses for the meeting.

2/23/1971 Oil City Derrick — Sligo Auxiliary Nominates New Officers

SLIGO - Nomination of officers was held by members of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Sligo Fire Company at a recent meeting.

Nominated were: Mrs. Donna Salizzoni, president; Mrs. Jean Greenawalt, vice president; Mrs. Brenda Atzeni, Mrs. Kay Courson, and Mrs. Donna Switzer, secretary; Mrs. Velma Moggey, treasurer; Mrs. Pauline Nuir and Mrs. Lillian McCormack, chaplain. Nominated for trustees (three) were: Mrs. Velma Elliott, Mrs. Margaret Wensel, Mrs. Linda Salizzoni, Mrs. Gladys Wetzel and Mrs. Beulah Burris.

Nominations are open until the March meeting.

The meeting was conducted by Mrs. Jenna Craig, president, and plans were completed to sponsor the refreshment stand for the donkey basketball game under the sponsorship of the fire company.

A discussion was held concerning attendance at the meeting, especially during the time of election.

Mrs. Doris Jean Colwell and Mrs. Nellie Eshbaugh were hostesses for the evening. Transcribed by Pamela Myers-Grewell

5/24/1971 Fire Auxiliary Gets Member — SLIGO - A new member was welcomed into the Ladies Auxiliary to the Sligo Fire Company at its May meeting. Mrs. Dolores Fague of Curllsville joined the group and members are reminded that dues are payable for the coming year. Any lady wishing to join the auxiliary is welcome as more members are needed, stated one official.

A discussion was held on the forthcoming carnival week in the Sligo area slated for June 28 through July 3. The ladies are planning to sponsor the refreshment stand as in previous years. The support of all members will be appreciated.

A report was made on the ham dinner served recently. It is hoped that another such dinner ** will be held in the near future. Thanks were expressed to all who had donated, worked, or attended this activity. (SD). Transcribed by Pamela Myers-Grewell

7/20/1971 Tom Switzer New Member of Firemen

SLIGO - Tom Switzer was accepted as a new member of the Sligo Firemen at their regular monthly meeting. It was announced that a softball tournament will be sponsored by the fire company August 28 and 29. rain date will be September 4 and 5. These are scheduled to be held at the Madison Street ballfield. Anyone interested in this project should contact Tom Johnston, Tom Greenawalt, Art Campbell, or Ron Radaker for more information. It was decided to send letters to inactive members hoping that new interest will be created and members will again become active. It was also voted to serve refreshments at the regular meetings. The local fire company planned to attend the Parker Fireman's Parade and "water battle" July 16. It was reported that carnival week was a good week for the fire company. It is the hope of the firemen that this will again become an annual event.

The next regular meeting will be held August 2. Transcribed by Pamela Myers-Grewell

9/21/1971 SLIGO NEWS—Firemen Hunt for Location for Fall Turkey Shoots, by Sarah Douthett

SLIGO - The Sligo Firemen held a lengthy discussion concerning the sponsoring of turkey shoots this fall at their monthly meeting held recently. A convenient location must be obtained.

Anyone interested or knowing of a location should contact the local fire company so that plans can be finalized to start the shoots by October, which will be for shotguns only; 10, 12, and 16 gauge. A discussion of awards will be held at a later date.

It was announced that when a meeting night falls on a holiday, the meeting will automatically be held the following night.

The fireman have asked the cooperation of all local persons in Sligo and surrounding areas to support a distribution of coin cards to be filled and returned to the fire company. The company has had several expenses lately, including the need of a pump on a GMC truck.

Help is needed and would be greatly appreciated. It was decided to purchase new tires for the GMC also.

Attention has been given to members who have not paid their dues for 1971. These must be paid in order to keep the insurance coverage up to date. It has again been noted that meetings are held the first Monday evening of each month, which is also drill night.

Applications are being accepted for new members. Members were reminded that election of officers will be held at the November meeting.

A get well card was signed to be sent to James McDowell, a patient in the Clarion Hospital.

3/9/1972 — Family Loses 7-Room Home and Belongings — CURLLSVILLE - Fire, thought to have been caused by lightning, leveled a seven room and bath home of the John Eaker family, Sligo RD1, early Monday morning. Sligo Volunteer Fireman answered a call at 5:20 a.m. but were unable to save any of the house or its contents. It was reported that the family was lucky to get out with what they had on their backs. At home when the fire broke out were John Eaker, his wife and their five children, along with their nephew, Mark McGuire, age 3. The Eaker children, ranging in age from 5 years to 10 years are Rita 10; Gail 9; Jessie 8, Ray 6, and Deane 5. It was impossible to learn whether the home and contents were covered by insurance. According to firemen, the aluminum sided home apparently caught fire after smouldering for several hours. The family reported that a tree in the yard was struck by lightning during an electrical storm sometime around midnight. Firemen, who remained on the scene for three hours, reported that this was their second trip to this hollow in a month's time. The home just below the Eaker's was struck by lightning a month ago. Just a little over a year ago, the Eakers lost their barn when lightning struck it, and about two years ago the home which stood across the road burned to the ground while the family was in church on a Sunday morning. Cause of that fire was never determined. (newspaper contained photo of the "remains of fire that left seven homeless")

4/18/1972* — SLIGO - Sligo Auxiliary Elects Officers — The Ladies Auxiliary to the Sligo Fire Company held election of officers at their recent meeting. The new officers are: Mrs. Velma Moggey, President; Mrs. Jean Greenawalt, vice president; Mrs. Donna Switzer, secretary; Mrs. Jenna Craig, treasurer; Mrs. Pauline Muir, chaplain; Mrs. Linda Salizzoni, Mrs. Beulah Burris, and Mrs. Margaret Wensel, trustees. Plans were discussed to serve a ham supper for the public on Saturday, April 24. The meal will be served family style and will include ham, scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, apple sauce, relish plate, rolls, pie, and coffee. Serving will begin at 5 p.m. The proceeds will be donated to the local fire company to help purchase needed equipment. Auxiliary members were reminded that dues for the coming year are now payable. It was announced that a used gas stove had been installed in the kitchen at the firehall. Mrs. Edna McKinney served as hostess for the evening. Oil City Derrick, Tuesday April 18, 1972* (year very smudged, could be different) Transcribed by Pamela Myers-Grewell

CRASH KILLS FIREFIGHTER—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PA) - Saturday, July 27, 1996

A Clarion County firefighter died yesterday when the firetruck he was driving flipped over on a curve while traveling to an accident. Kris Sherman, 35, a member of the Sligo Volunteer Fire Department, was responding to a non-emergency call for flood assistance when another call came in asking for help with a vehicle accident.

FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS GROUP WILL HONOR SIX FROM STATE

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PA) - Sunday, October 5, 1997

Six Pennsylvania firefighters killed while on duty will be among the 94 career and volunteer firefighters from 36 states honored today. Their lives and service will be commemorated in the 16th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Md. The Pennsylvania firefighters are: Walter L. Bricker, Metal Township Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company, Fannettsburg; John Russell Bryant, Upper Gwynedd Township Fire department, West Point; William Robert Favinger Sr., West End Fire Company No. 1, Stowe; William ``Shorty'' Frank, Lower Allen Fire company, Camp Hill; Reed E. Morton Sr., Citizens Hose Company No. 1, South Renova and Kris Wesley Sherman, Sligo Volunteer Fire Department.

Sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, this event honors firefighters who died in service to their communities during the previous year. The Memorial Service marks the beginning of National Fire Prevention Week designated by President Clinton to focus national attention on the serious problems caused by fire. In 1990, Congress selected the memorial as the official national memorial to volunteer and career firefighters who die in the line of duty. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation sponsors programs to honor fallen firefighters and assist their survivors. Many local fire departments plan to conduct simultaneous services; they will lower flags to half-staff, and observe a moment of silent tribute.

Sligo Fire Department, erected in 1938.