MTFR Fire Station 203 protects the northern part of Manheim Township. This area is suburban and rural. Several large retirement communities and the Lancaster Airport are located within the first-due area of this station. Station 203 also houses a tanker truck to provide water to the rural area at the very northern edge of Manheim Township. Station 203 responds to approximately 400 fire calls and 600 QRS calls each year.
History:
In 1921, a fire in the Neffsville area was the catalyst for its community members starting a fire company. The Neffsville Community Fire Company was organized in 1921 and officially received its charter in 1923. It was first headquartered in a barn on Duke Street at Valley Road in the village of Neffsville. Its first fire truck was a 1920’s Hahn pumper.
In 1934, a two-story two-bay station was built at 38 Valley Road. As the fleet and fire apparatus size grew, the company acquired land on East Oregon Road and built a new station in 1973. It featured four large apparatus bays, a commercial kitchen to support fund raisers, a community (meeting) room, storage and offices. In 1998 this location underwent renovations including adding a second floor with offices and a meeting room.
The Neffsville station is currently the headquarters for Manheim Township Fire Rescue and houses Engine 203, Tanker 20, Squad 209 (special operations vehicle), Brush 20 and Ultra Terrain Vehicle (UTV) 20. It also houses the reserve ladder truck.
