1947: MIKE RUSNAK'S DE COU

Mike obviously had a deep fondness for the DeCou Volunteer Fire Company. In all the years Mike was involved with those brave volunteers, he tediously collected each and every bit of memorabilia he could find and ended up with a detailed history of the legendary Hamilton Township fire company.

2012: MIKE RUSNAK'S WHITE HORSE TAVERN

Through many years of his adult life, the late Mike Rusnak quietly collected and assembled historical photos and articles relating to the DeCou Volunteer Fire Company which was among his "first loves," and the Fairview Park-DeCou and White Horse area of Hamilton Township. Mike was also a ready contributor to the local press with his poignant political positions. Bottom line: Michael Rusnak was a true un-recognized historic asset to our community. Mike's photos and articles on history and operation of the DeCou Volunteer Fire Company are a very welcome addition to the Hamilton Township Public Library's Local History Collection. Were it not for Mike's daughter Karyn Rusnak Benton, these irreplaceable moments in time would be in the recycle bin.

1936: CHIEF WOLVERTON'S LARGE FAMILY

Even has Colonial Fire Company's John Lenhardt "large" family, so too did the Chief of DeCou VFD, Ed Wolverton. The above photo was all washed out in the original page 24 of the State Gazette, but thanks to my graphic imaging software, it can be brought back to its pristine condition.

1936: DE COU VOLUNTEER FIRE CO.

OLD TIME RESIDENTS OF THE DECOU-FAIRVIEW PARK AREA WILL KNOW A NUMBER OF THOSE "FIRE LADDIES" POSING FOR THE PHOTO ABOVE. CHARLIE PAUL IS THE FATHER OF MY LATE, FAVORITE BROTHER IN LAW, BILL PAUL.

1934: DE COU VFG FIRE HEROES FROM THE PAST

THERE ARE MANY FAMILIAR DECOU-FAIRVIEW PARK NAMES ON THE DE COU VFD LEDGER. HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THEM.