A grass fire which started on Central Avenue near Sixth and burned through to Park Avenue on Good Friday, 1938, endangering many homes. The need for a fire company in Garden Lake became clearly evident. Thomas Clancey went around and solicited residents to become members of the newly organized Lindenwold Fire Company No. 2. The fire company was then incorporated in October, 1938.

  The first Fire Chief was Stanley Bielecki and the first President was Thomas Clancey.

  The company’s first truck was a 1927 Packard which was bought for $40.00 and stored in Lindenwold Fire Company No. 1 fire hall.

  The first temporary fire house was a one car garage behind Jensen’s house which was located at First and Scott Avenues.

  During 1938 the fire company procured Simon’s Store at the corner of First and Park Avenues. Due to the condition of the building, it was torn down and a larger building was erected which was 25’ by 55’ with two doors for the engine on one side and a single entrance on the other side. When this building was erected the siren was moved from the Old Garden Lake Fire Hall at 4^th and Scott Avenues to the new headquarters and hooked up with a remote control to May’s Store which became West Park Deli at the corner of Lake Blvd and Park Avenue.

chassis. A 250 gallon water tank purchased from Gibbsboro Fire Company No. 1 was mounted on the chassis. This tank of water was carried a couple of years without a pump, then the fire company changed over to a 2" Gule Rotary Pump. In 1942 L.F.C.# 2 bought a used model A Ford from Clementon Fire Company #1. This Ford truck was assembled on a 1946 chassis and served until 1954. The Borough of Lindenwold supplied an Army surplus fire truck in February 1946.

  From 1940 to 1943 membership decreased due to the fact that many men were going into the service. Mayor Luther Burdell told the members that when they returned home from the war they could have the old firehouse at 4^th and Scott Avenues with a long term lease. This became a reality during the war years and the fire company moved there with the alarm system and remote control installed in Neil Lynch’s home across from the firehouse. During the war years Raymond Yanaseska served as Fire Chief.

  In 1945, with many service men coming home, a special meeting was held in the last week in December and the following officers were installed: President Harry Howard; Treasurer Kas Bielecki; Chief Stan Bielecki; 1^st Assistant Chief Raymond Yanaseska; and Second Assistant Chief Warren Bretz.

  In 1964 the Borough of Lindenwold replaced all three G.I. Army trucks with Bruco 750 Pumpers.

  Herbert Steelman became Chief in 1958. Garden Lake was becoming more populated and the apartments throughout the town required equipment to reach taller buildings. It became necessary to purchase an aerial platform truck. In 1972 the Borough of Lindenwold purchased a American LaFrance 90’ Aero Chief Snorkel to be used by all three fire companies.

  In May 1977 Lindenwold Fire Company #2 received delivery of engine 6321, an America LaFrance Century Pumper rated at 1500 GPM. It was equipped with 2600’ of 3" hose.

  Herb Steelman served as Chief until July, 1977. Deputy Chief William Read served the unexpired term of Chief which ended December, 1977.

  Fire Chief William Ellis was elected in 1978 and served until December, 1980.

  Fire Chief Herb Steelman, Jr. was elected in 1981 and served until December, 1985. During his term as Chief the newly formed Lindenwold Fire District #1 purchased a 1984 American LaFrance Century Pumper rated at 2000 GPM.

  William Ellis was elected as Chief again in 1986 and served until 1988. In 1987 the 1972 Aero Chief was refurbed by American LaFrance.