CTVFC History 1996-2008
In 1996 a devastating flood occurred in the Susquehanna Valley. Once again, CTVFC was called to many areas of the County to assist with the rescue of trapped people due to rising flood waters. We nearly lost three of our divers along the Lycoming Creek when the jet head sucked a large pine branch into the impeller, thus limiting the ability of the boat to move in the raging waters. It was repaired later that day after we were able to get it out of the water. During rescues late that night, our jet engine on the boat jammed again with ice and stranded two CTVFC members in the flood waters. A US Army “Chinook” helicopter retrieved them from the water and the boat was finally recovered by our divers two days later. The decision was then made to remove the jet drive and replace it with a propeller driven engine.
In 1996 the Company took possession of the first hydraulic rescue tools ever owned by them. An Amkus extrication system consisting of the Gas powered hydraulic pump with two sets of hoses, a 28 inch spreader, an “O” cutter, and the accessory chain kits were delivered and placed in to service. Over the years, an electric powered hydraulic pump capable of running two tools at once was added. We have also included two hydraulic rams and a combination cutter/spreader to our extrication arsenal.
On January 17th 1997, CTVFC members were dispatched to what would be considered one of the worst alarms one could ever receive, a structure fire was reported at the fire station. With the help of neighboring fire companies, the fire was contained to the social hall area of the fire station. Once again, Hulsizer’s Chevrolet came to the rescue of the Company and allowed us to house our apparatus in their garage for the weekend. We were able to save all of our apparatus. The members worked diligently to close off the damaged area and to restore heat and power to the building. We are very proud of the fact that WE WERE NEVER OUT OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY during this period. In fact, we held bingo in the building the next Saturday night.
After the fire, a committee was formed to explore the reconstruction of the fire station. After much thought and exploration, it was determined that the old building could not be restored and brought into compliance with the building codes or the Pa Dept. of Labor and Industry standards that needed to be met. By May of 1998, the new building was turned over to the membership and it has served our community and the Company well.
1998 was the first year for the annual Beatlesfest fundraiser with CTVFC. This event has grown over the years to become a great fund raiser for the Company
In 1999, the Company approached the Clinton Township Supervisors about increasing the dedicated fire tax in the Township to provide additional funding for the Company. This was quite controversial in the community with a small but vocal group, led by members of a neighboring fire company, who were apposed to the idea. Initially, the matter was defeated, but then it was eventually approved and the Fire Tax was established at 1 mill thus providing approximately $70,000 per year at that time, to the Company. The fire tax cost the typical homeowner $1.00 per every thousand dollars of assessed value of their home. In 1999 the average assessed value was $62,500 in Clinton Township and each homeowner paid $62.50 per year to support the Fire Company. This did NOT eliminate our need to raise funds on our own to provide the services that we do.