Department History

The Smithton VFD

The Smithton Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1913. For many decades, the members of the department were the primary providers of fire and rescue services for the entire area into South Huntingdon Township and Rostraver Township. This was over 50 square miles, mostly of farmland and some mining patch towns. Once some of the neighboring departments were established and 911 addressing came into effect that uses municipal boundaries as response areas, our role shifted to provide assistance to our neighbors. Today, we provide mutual aid fire and rescue services to South Huntingdon Township, Rostraver Township, Perry Township, East Huntingdon Township, Perryopolis Borough, West Newton Borough, North Belle Vernon Borough, Scottdale Borough, and anywhere else as requested.

Currently we are in our third station in the borough. The first station was located in the alley behind the current station. This original station housed a chemical cart and a hose cart. The second station was located on Center Street. This station was in use until approximately 1983. Around 1960 there was an explosion and fire in this second station which destroyed many of the department's documents as well as the 1959 American LaFrance pumper. Today's station on First Street houses our four apparatus as well as a day room for members while they are staffing the station.

For several decades our crews were the primary fire and rescue providers at Motordrome Speedway. This 1/4 mile raceway started as a dirt track and eventually was paved over and for a time was a NASCAR sanctioned facility.

Today, our department responds to approximately 325 calls per year. This is a wide range of medical, rescue, hazmat, and fire related incidents. Our membership has taken on some significant growth since early 2025. The department is not tax-funded and operates solely on donations, fundraising efforts, and grants.

Past Chiefs

The department has held a steady line of leadership since 1913. To date, there have only been 9 chiefs in our history.

• A.Z. Lynn
• LL Barthels
• Carl Nicalus
• Amel Powley
• Bud Seglowich
• Frank Flower
• Charles Blum
• Joel Ribniscky - Current Chief of the Department
• Michael DeSimone - Posthumously Promoted in 2023