Monroe Snyder
Monroe was a part of the Strinestown Community Fire
Company for over 50 years. It all started around 1958 when the Chief at
that time, Jake Biller, his neighbor, talked him into going along on a
fire call. That was the spark that lit the flame of Monroe’s community
service that lasted a lifetime.
His service began slowly at first but before long he
became a driver and fire policeman, and by the early 70’s Monroe
advanced to the position of Assistant Chief. In 1974, he became Fire
Chief and went on to make his biggest contributions to the Fire Company
over the next 3 decades.
He served as Chief for 6 years, Trustee for 10 years, and
Chief Engineer for 2 years. He served on the Tanker and Engine Committee
and was a member of the Community Days Committee. In 1992 Monroe was
elected as an Honorary member and in 2008 received a 50-year service
award. Monroe also served as our delegate to the York County
Firefighters Association.
Monroe was instrumental in establishing a second and more
central fire station at the Conewago Township Building. Housing a fire
truck at a central location in the township has improved fire protection
for all residents. The second station has proved to be an asset and it
prospers along with the main station in Strinestown. Monroe felt this
was the biggest accomplishment of his firefighting career.
Starting the Junior Fire Company—for teens not old enough
to join the regular Fire Company—was one of his lasting achievements,
and it continues to influence the Fire Company and the community it
serves. The training and guidance the juniors received has had a big
influence on the lives of those who participated.
Three of Monroe’s Juniors went on to become paid
professional firefighters. One recently retired as the first female paid
firefighter for York City, another is the Fire Marshall for the
Telluride Fire Protection District in Telluride, Colorado, and the third
is a Captain for the Harrisburg International Airport Fire Department.
Many Juniors also served in a volunteer capacity. One
Junior went on to serve as Chief of the York County Hazmat Team. Another
served as Fire Chief of Strinestown for 15 years and yet another as
Chief for 4 years. Other Juniors served as Assistant Chief and Chief
Engineer for the Fire Company.
Our first piece of fire equipment, a 1954 GMC Darley
pumper, was replaced and in need of repair. Monroe was the driving
force behind refurbishing the truck to near original condition and
preserving an important part of Fire Company history.
Monroe had a positive influence over the successful
operation of the Strinestown Community Fire Company and its members in
many ways—both big and small for over half of a century. For this, his
family should be proud and our community shall always be grateful.
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