The Fire Rescue News team is please to showcase Minquas Station 23 in New Castle County Delaware. Established in 1907, the department has progressed into an aggressive proactive dept. recently a new station has been built on the site of the old one. The old station was approx 12,000 square feet and the new station is better than doubled at 25,000 sq.ft. The new station is "state of the art" including an 18' pole so as members upstairs in the several offices can hit the engine room quickly. The station has both male and female bunk rooms and a work out room for those wanting to keep in shape. The members were also proud of their display of history along the hallway on the upper floors. The station also houses a huge banquet room for seating 175 persons with a full kitchen. House in the 9 bay station is 2 engines, 1 Rescue Squad, 2 Marine units, and ambulance, light truck and Chief's vehicle. Also They‘re proud to have back in their station their 1948 Mack that has been housed in an array of garages until finally there was enough room to "bring her home" Station 23 local is approx 12 square miles and Rescue 23 covers several major highways, including I-95, I-495, I-295 and Rte 141. Marine 23 covers the Christiana river to the Delaware river. The rescue boat also assists the City of Wilmington. The station runs mutual aid to Christiana, Elsmere, 5-points and Wilmington Manor to name a few.

     Organized in January of 1926, The Upland Fire Company protected a population of 2,500 citizens. Over the years, much has changed in Upland. Today the station is manned and equipped with the latest arsenal to protect well over 3300 citizens.      The station, with 4 bays, houses a 2005 Seagrave pumper (Engine 57-1), a 1992 Seagrave pumper (Engine 57-2) and Tac-57, a 1999 Ford F-350.       In the fourth bay, is this Companies pride and joy. Almost 14 years ago, the members built their own museum. Taking money out of their own pockets, members have worked hard to build and maintain this area of the station that houses over 2200 trophies and awards (at last count). Housed in the  museum is a 1960 Seagrave Shorty, a 1906 Wort-Knox hose cart and a 1790 Mason Hand Pumper. The hand pumper, being well maintained with leather pump packings, is still operational today. The members took the Hand pumper to the New England Class C Fire Muster several years ago which was held in Connecticut. There they took 1st place and currently hold 1st place in the longest distance pumped by hand with a distance of 118 feet.      Members are always receptive to visitors, if you like to stop by to view the Station and all it has to offer, contact them at 610.874.4885. The Fire Rescue News team thanks 57-9 and members of station 57 for opening their doors to us.