Susquehanna Hose Co.

The Susquehanna Hose Company (SHCO) was founded in 1902 with 33 charter members. William DeJoy was its first President, and Oliver R. Currier was Chief. In its earliest days, fires were reported by the ringing of church bells, and members responded by pulling a hand-drawn hose cart manufactured by the Burns Brothers Carriage Company. By 1905, the company had acquired a horse-drawn cart, and in 1910, they introduced their first motorized vehicle—a Model A Ford.

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An all-volunteer organization from the beginning, SHCO has been proudly served by generations of Havre de Grace residents. Over the years, the company has grown into a modern, well-equipped department operating five firehouses. Its current fleet includes five engines, a tower, a quint, a rescue unit, a mini-pumper, three boats, a dive unit, a swift water unit, and four utility vehicles.

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SHCO is nationally recognized as “The Fastest Volunteers in the Nation,” known for its exceptional response times and for answering every call forservice over the past several decades. The Hose Company’s legacy continues as a pillar of community pride, built on dedication, service, and a strong volunteer spirit.