On Monday August 2, 1954 a group of concerned citizens met in the M and N Restaurant on Lurgan Avenue to discuss the fire protection in the West end of Shippensburg.  After this meeting occurred a committee was established at the Vigilant Hose Company to look into the possibility of forming a rescue unit to be housed in the west end of town as an annex to the Vigilant Company.

     In 1955 Frank Hollar of H and H Chevrolet donated a 1947 Dodge panel truck originally used by Henry's Bakery to be used as a rescue truck.  Numerous businesses in Shippensburg donated equipment that could be used for rescue work.

     The new rescue unit was to be an auxiliary station of the Vigilant Hose Company.  The Vigilant Hose Company would not be financially obligated in any way to the new rescue outfit.  The rescue company was to have the same officers as the Vigilant's with the exception of a secretary and treasurer.  As more equipment was obtained and interest grew, legal advice was sought by the men.  It was decided at this time that the best approach was to form another company independent of the Vigilant's.

     On September 7, 1955 a meeting was held at the West End Atlantic Station on Lurgan Avenue.  Six men attended the meeting: Robert Jones, W. Budd Montague, Herbert Cassidy, George Adams and Ralph Hopkins Jr.

     On October 8, 1955 the company filed articles of incorporation with the Franklin County courts.

     Company Charter members:

*Signed Company Charter

**Missed the first meeting due to work but was a founding father of the company and the only active member for all the company's 50 years.

     Robert Jones became the first company fire chief.

     In the early days the company was very active with the Civil Defense and stand by's at local racetracks.

     The company housed their apparatus at the West End Atlantic Station until August 1965 when it was moved to a building to the rear of 39 Stewart Place.  In April 1957 the company purchased the building from Paul E. Bogar for $3,600.

     In November 1957 the company purchased their first fire engine, a 1935 International with a 400-gallon per minute pump from a company in Chester County Pa. (the company now owns that same engine fully restored to its original form).  The same year the company added a tank truck purchasing a used oil truck from Chambersburg and converting it themselves.  The unit was a 1948 International and carried 1,500 gallons of water.

     In March 1962 the company formed a Ladies Auxiliary.

     After years of struggling to be accepted as part of the Shippensburg Fire Department in May 1966 it was announced that the company was to begin giving the Vigilant Hose Company assistance on fire calls in Southampton Township Franklin County.  In November 1966 the company was to receive one half of the Firemen�s Relief money from Southampton Franklin and in January 1968 Company Chief G. Crawford Wiestling was named Fire Chief for Southampton Franklin.

     On October 4, 1970 the company dedicated their new firehouse at 39 Lurgan Avenue in the memory of W. Mervin Fogelsanger a company member and past President that died in the line of duty February 17, 1969 while battling a fire in downtown Shippensburg.

     On January 1, 1971 Shippensburg Borough ordinance no. 398 was established.  The ordinance established for the first time a Shippensburg Fire Department and recognized West End as a part of the department.  After 15 years of trying the company was finally recognized by the Borough.

     On August 18, 1973 the company took delivery of their first new piece of apparatus, a 1973 International Bruco engine.  This was the company's first piece of apparatus to be painted orange and white.

     On January 1, 1976 the company became the first in the area to begin running a medical assist unit with the ambulance on calls.

     In January 1976 the company revised their constitution to allow women to join the ranks.  In February the company accepted their first female member and the first in Shippensburg.

     On August 16, 1977 the West End Fire and Rescue Company placed their first hydraulic rescue tool know as the "Jaws of Life" in service.

     In June 1988 the company held their first  Child's Dream weekend at the station for kids ages 11 through 13.  The company continues to hold the child's dream weekend today.

     The West Enders were always known for their annual spring fair.  The members sponsored the event for 47 straight years at various locations, most notably the Burd Street parking lot.  In 2001 the company held their last fair.

     On October 28,29 and 30, 2005 the company celebrated their 50^th anniversary.  Almost 400 members and invited guest attended the banquet where past chiefs; presidents and charter members were recognized. 

     West End continues to be a very active company answering over 700 alarms annually.  The members continue to operate a food stand at the Shippensburg Community fair, working weekly bingo, sponsoring A Child's Dream weekend, working the Shippensburg Corn Festival and holding the Keith Hess Memorial Golf Tournament each year to name a few.

     Over the years the company has owned many pieces of fire apparatus.  Today the company operates a fleet of apparatus consisting of a 1995 Pierce Engine, 1989 E-One Engine, 1990 Dodge Power Wagon Brush Truck, 1999 E-One Rescue Squad, 1991 Chevrolet Fire Police vehicle and a 1998 Ford Explorer Utility vehicle.