Johnstown in Cambria County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

City of Johnstown Firefighters Memorial Bridge

Johnstown Fire Dept.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 26, 2026

1. City of Johnstown Firefighters Memorial Bridge Marker

Inscription.
In 2019, Pennsylvania Representative Jim Rigby and IAFF Local 463 President Eric Miller were approached by a gentleman named Daniel Rose with the idea of naming the Franklin Street Bridge in the honor of deceased Firefighters who had served with the City of Johnstown Fire Department. With the help of Pennsylvania Senator Wayne Langerhole and the support of Fire Chief Robert Statler and City Council, Representative Rigby was able to introduce House Bill No. 124 of the 2021 session which would officially change the name of the Franklin Street Bridge to the City of Johnstown Firefighters Memorial Bridge. Governor Tom Wolf signed House Bill No. 124 officially into law on June 1, 2021, with a dedication ceremony held on the bridge on the afternoon of October 1, 2021.

The bridge had been slated for rehabilitation by PennDOT around the same time of the renaming and dedication. Local 463 was able to work with the project engineer and was permitted to request the color of the bridge to be painted its current shade of red. This shade of red, known as international orange, is the same color of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco,

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whose structural steel was produced by Bethlehem Steel Company.

The Story of the Bell

The Assistance Fire Company, No. 1, located in a wooden outbuilding along Washington Street, was organized on March 4, 1867. On March 15th of that same year, the membership agreed to purchase the bell for their firehouse. In 1882 a new brick firehouse was built at the intersection of Washington and Market Streets and the bell was installed at the top of the large tower. Unfortunately, during the 1889 flood, and while ringing to warn the citizens of the impending disaster, the entire building and all equipment was destroyed. The bell was eventually found and salvaged and in 1892 was installed into the newly rebuilt firehouse which is the site of the present-day Public Safety Building.

Upon the formation of the paid fire department in 1906 the Assistance Fire Company, No. 1 became known as Engine Company No. 1. For fifty-five years the bell would alert members and the community to a fire, emergency, or significant event. The bell tolled in 1881 to announce the death of then President James Garfield and again in 1901 when President William McKinley

Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 26, 2026

2. City of Johnstown Firefighters Memorial Bridge Marker

The historic bell and the memorial bridge are in the background.

was assassinated. On the evening of August 23, 1923, after tolling for ten minutes to recognize the death of President Warren Harding, it cracked under the strain and became silent.

The bell has been on display at various locations throughout the city, the most recent being Central Park and now its current and final location, The Johnstown Firefighters Memorial Park.

Erected 2026.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Charity & Public Work • Disasters • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #20 James A. Garfield, the Former U.S. Presidents: #25 William McKinley, and the Historic Bells series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is March 4, 1867.

Location. 40° 19.435′ N, 78° 55.154′ W. Marker is in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in Cambria County. It is at the intersection of Vine Street and Franklin Street, on the left when traveling west on Vine Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 436 Vine Street, Johnstown PA 15901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this

City of Johnstown Firefighters Bell image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 26, 2026

3. City of Johnstown Firefighters Bell

Bell text:
Assistance Fire Co. No. 1
Johnstown Pa.
Organized March, 1st 1867.

marker is in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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 of this marker: Former Site of Truck Company No. 1 (here, next to this marker); First United Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); First United Brethren Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Johnstown's World War II Monument (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tribune Building (about 400 feet away); Alma Hall (about 500 feet away); Central Park (about 600 feet away); Joseph Johns (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Johnstown.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 24, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.