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Battalion Chief John F. Magrann was a Chief in the 3rd Battalion of the Philadelphia Fire Dept. Appointed as a Hoseman to Engine Co. 51 on April 1, 1920.  He was promoted to Lieutenant of Engine Co. 41 on October 1, 1939, to Captain of Truck Co. 4 on June 16, 1943 and to Chief in the 3rd Battalion on October 8, 1953. 

On October 28, 1954 the Charles W. Berg Laboratories Explosion, Philadelphia PA.  10 Firemen die including three Chiefs.  One of the largest fireman fatalities leaving numerous children without their Fathers.  The result would be the initiation of the Philadelphia Hero Scholarship Fund.

 The Norristown Hose Company received its’ charter on February 22, 1848. The first meetings were held at the homes of its members. Towards the end of 1848, the company purchased a lot at 417 Dekalb Street and built their first firehouse. In 1881, the corner lot at Dekalb and Chestnut Streets was purchased, and their second and current firehouse was built. The building was dedicated on September 15, 1883. In the early years, the company would receive $400.00 annually from Town Council. It was used primarily to purchase hose, since the company was a hose company. In the summer of 1848, the company purchased its’ first hose cart that they called “The Crab”. Over the years, they purchased a steam engine; an Amoskeag Pumper. It was first drawn by men, then horses. In December 1917, the Norris Hose purchased its’ first completely motorized vehicle. Throughout the 20th century other motorized vehicles were purchased including a Simplex, an Ahrens Fox and a Hale Pumper.