Engine 53 was organized March 16, 1908 at 416 Snyder Avenue. They were assigned a 1903 Holloway combination hose and chemical wagon and an 1890 Silsby second size steamer that had been rebuilt in 1904 by American LaFrance. The company was motorized in 1918 when they were assigned an American LaFrance combination hose and chemical wagon and an American LaFrance 900 GPM pumper. Truck 27 was placed in service at Engine 53’s station on January 26, 1947.

During February 1957, the station was renovated. Engine 53 was relocated to Boat 1 at the Delaware River and Packer Avenue and Ladder 27 was moved to Engine 49’s station at 13th and Shunk Streets. Both companies were moved on February 17, 1957. On April 7, 1957 Engine 46 at Water and Reed Streets was disbanded. Engine 53 moved to their former station the same day. Renovation of 416 Snyder Avenue was completed December 18, 1957 and Engine 53 and Ladder 27 moved back to their station.

A new station was built for Engine 53 and Ladder 27 at 410 Snyder Avenue. The companies moved in on April 6, 1988. Medic 26 was placed in service at Engine 53’s station on July 1, 1991 at 0800 hours. The unit was placed out of service on July 15, 1991. Ladder 27 was relocated “temporarily” to Engine 49’s station on July 17, 1991 while a new station was built for Engine 60 and Ladder 19. They moved back to 410 Snyder on August 11, 1997. The city made the decision to organize another medic unit at the quarters of Engine 53/Ladder 27. On July 18, 2006 Medic 43 was placed in service.

The saga of Engine 53 and Ladder 27 doesn’t end there. During April 2017 serious structural issues were found in the roof area of their station. Effective April 21, 2017 Engine 53 was relocated to Ladder 5, Ladder 27 to Engine 49, and Medic 43 to Engine 3. The renovation of the firehouse was completed in June 2018. All three companies moved back on June 2, 2018. Engine 53, Ladder 27, and Medic 43 continue to serve the Pennsport/Whitman sections of the city from this location.

Drafted by Jack Wright – September 16, 2018