Pete Ellerman

0-5 min.

Introduction. Ellerman originally from Mount Holly Springs area.  The Union Fire Co. was the first company Ellerman was a member. Impetus to join was a fire at his washhouse. Decided to put in an application and joined on September 11, 1963. Very active from 1963 to the mid-70s when his job took him out of the area. Became active again in the 1980s until 2000 when he moved away from the Carlisle area. Lived in the firehouse. Great camaraderie and fellowship. Played a lot of jokes. Mark Goodling, Tom Kline, Randy Adams, Denny Brown, Maude Epley, John the Greek, were a part of the group. Eight to ten individuals who lived there the entire time. Always talked about training tidbits. Did not use SCBAs (Self contained breathing apparatuses) unless there was a dire emergency. Did not have the capability.

5-10 min.

Became the youngest person in the Union Fire Co. history to become a driver. First time to become a relief driver there was a thunderstorm. The fire alarm went off at Montgomery Ward with the open cab on a Friday night when everyone was out shopping. Everyone congratulated him on his first call as a driver for getting there and back safely. First fire call was at Epley Drug Store on Hanover Street. Charlie Boyle fitted him up with a SCBA and the masked steamed up. Scared but learned to overcome the fear. Saw fire but it was quite smoky and it was hard to see in the mask. First time wearing a mask. Old entry suit was an asbestos suit that no one wore but was available. A lot of water hauling gave relief drivers experience driving. The first time Ellerman drove the old Ward LaFrance Engine the C-15 then responding to a fire he missed a gear turning onto North Hanover and it stalled with the sirens running. Open cab. Cold in the winter. Able to ride the tailboard. Fun but scary. More informal training but occasionally someone would donate a place and they would be able to practice. Sam Ogden was chief when Ellerman joined.

10-15 min.

Helping people and the camaraderie kept Ellerman in the company. Still stay in touch. 5 to 6 people keep meeting every month. The biggest call was Cumberland Valley Savings and Loan that Ellerman was involved with. Scary situation. Back of the building with Mark Goodling and it turned out they were standing on a lot of fire beneath them. Pappa Street Apartments was another big fire as was the Live Stock market. Always fun around the firehouse. Jack Myers  and Chet Knease always came up with something. Downtown area active at this time. Able to meet people at this time as people would stop by. Friday nights younger guys would come to town riding the block looking for fun. Helped increase the membership roles as a few joined. History of the membership roles shows a great increase in the 1960s.

15-20 min.

Baby boomers replaced some of the older fire fighters around this time. Still came around but they were as able to fight fire. The worst call was the fire at the Strine residence. Children inside. Able to successfully rescue them and the babysitter. Another scary situation was when Ellerman’s residence at the Mill Race Apartments burned. Fire Company and the community helped with donations. Jim Dysert active even in his older years. Respected his will to be an active member.

20-24 min.

The station is bigger now with addition. And the safety and equipment has changed significantly. The attitude of the members has not though. Still a desire to help people. Woman now active firefighters now as well. Chair of the New Bloomfield Company Building Committee. 2 million dollar cost to build compared to 75 thousand for the Union addition. Cost has also changed.  Wish everyone have a chance to experience what members in the Union were able to experience.