Rochester in Beaver County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
History of the Rochester Fire Department
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 20, 2026
1. History of the Rochester Fire Department Marker
October 10, 1898: Rochester Volunteer Fire Department was established.
January 30, 1928: Rochester Township Volunteer Fire Department was established.
August 20, 1928: East Rochester Volunteer Fire Department was established.
April 24, 1952: Southside Volunteer Fire Department was established.
August 4, 2015: Rochester Volunteer Fire Department and Rochester Township Volunteer Fire Department merged to become "Rochester Fire Department".
Special thanks to A.T.I. Metals for the preservation of this bell
Firefighters' Memorial Bell
This bell served the original Rochester Volunteer Fire Department, organized on October 10, 1898, to alert the community of fires and other emergencies until 1957 when it was replaced with a siren. It was then dedicated in 1965 as a monument to all that have served the department.
On August 4, 2015, the department merged with the Rochester Township Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated January 30, 1928, to become "Rochester Fire Department". This bell remains a symbol of pride, dedication, and commitment for all who have served and will continue to serve in the future.
John
this page online
Erected by The Rochester Fire Department.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 30, 1928.
Location. 40° 42.129′ N, 80° 17.108′ W. Marker is in Rochester, Pennsylvania, in Beaver County. It is at the intersection of North Park Street and Brighton Avenue (Pennsylvania Route 18), on the right when traveling east on North Park Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 North Park Street, Rochester PA 15074, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Pittsburgh. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and in the Ohio River Valley. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 20, 2026
2. History of the Rochester Fire Department Marker
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 20, 2026
3. History of the Rochester Fire Department Marker
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 20, 2026
4. History of the Rochester Fire Department Marker
The historic bell can be seen in the background. The marker text is printed face-up and surrounds the bottom of the bell.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 20, 2026
5. Firefighters' Memorial Bell
(Rear):
Wm. Montgomery, Pres. A. Hoehl, Vice-Pres. Jas. L. Cole, Sect'y E.E. Bentel, Treas'r John D. Cole, Chief James White, Ass't. Chief.
Committee: John D. Cole, R. Anderson, G. Bentel, R. Ray, E.B. Sullivan.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 3, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
