Undercliff VFC History Series - #2

On this week's Undercliff VFC 115th anniversary history session we'll look at the old Undercliff ambulance days. Did you know Undercliff VFC was the FIRST ambulance service in Shaler Township? That's right, we were! Let's take a look back at how this all started!

Throughout the years, Undercliff VFC has always adapted and innovated with the times to expand and offer various services as the needs of the community calls for them. As Undercliff VFC continued to grow as fire company and Shaler Township moved into the 1950's, the population of the township began to grow and quickly expand. Undercliff VFC and it's members quickly recognized the need for another service in the township. Thus, in 1956 Undercliff VFC started the first ever ambulance service in Shaler Township.

The Undercliff ambulance service operated for nearly 40 years in the township, eventually being joined by Elfinwild VFC and Shaler Villa VFC as well. During these 40 years of existence, Undercliff operated four different ambulances with two of them being Cadillacs. Undercliff VFC and its members would take shifts to cover the ambulance calls often transporting many patients to local area hospitals for medical emergency. Our members were at the forefront of what would become the modern Emergency Medial Services (EMS) we know today.

As we moved in to the 1990's the demand for ambulance services in Shaler Township continued to grow rapidly. So in 1993, Undercliff VFC, Elfinwild VFC, and Shaler Villa VFC merged their ambulance service together and officially formed Shaler Area EMS, now Shaler-Hampton EMS. Each fire company donated their current ambulance to new Shaler Area EMS, which created to current EMS system we have today in the township.

Throughout it's existence, Undercliff VFC's ambulance helped to better the lives of Shaler Township residents and ultimately saved many lives. This piece of Undercliff VFC history speaks to the dedication and mission of Undercliff VFC members. Public safety is always and has always been our priority. Our members are always are always innovating and finding ways to offer services as they become needed. Thank you to all those past members who serviced on the ambulance through the years! You truly made a difference in this community!