Aristes Fire Co. celebrates centennial
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - A banner recognizes the original organization of the Aristes Fire Co. on June 24, 2023.
ARISTES – A local fire company is celebrating a century of service to southern Columbia County.
The Aristes Fire Co. was organized in 1923 by residents of the Conyngham Township village and, apart from a lull in the 1970s, had served the area ever since. They regularly provide mutual aid to the Shenandoah area on larger fires, in addition to covering their township, Centralia, and surrounding areas.
In addition to fire protection, the fire company provides emergency medical services via its quick response service, which started in 2014 following their merger with Centralia Community Ambulance.
Saturday, the company marked their anniversary with a block party and a fire truck parade through Conyngham Township.
Joining them for the parade and celebration were firefighters from Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Nuremberg, Ringtown, and more.
Following the parade, attendees visited the firehouse, which sits on the site of the former Conyngham-Centralia Joint High School, where vendors, food, and games were set up.
Firefighters also engaged in a pumping competition — when firefighters knock down an object using water from a hose line — as part of the festivities.
An award named after former Chief Scott Yeager, who served as chief for a quarter century until his death in 2013, was awarded to the best overall apparatus in the parade.
Full Photo Gallery
About Author
