A piece of history recently came back to the Columbia Borough Fire Department (CBFD). The organization received a stone lintel that was part of the fire station located at Sixth and Locust streets in the 1800s.

"This station was demolished in the early 1960s and hauled away to the Deascenti Landfill in Columbia," said Bob Kline, a member of CBFD. "The owner, Romey Deascenti, saved the stone and displayed it at the entrance of the landfill property."

Kline, who is Deascenti's grandson, eventually took over the landfill property, and over the years, he noticed how many people asked about the lintel. In 2025, Kline decided to sell the property, but he wanted to be sure the historic piece was preserved, so he approached the fire department about taking the lintel back.

As Kline explained, the lintel made a striking addition to the original fire hall.

"A lintel is a horizontal structural beam that spans across the top of openings like doors, windows or fireplaces to support the load of the wall above," he said. The piece dominated the facade of the original fire department, which was established on July 4, 1796. On Feb. 2, 1897, the Susquehanna Fire Company was established at 10th and Manor streets, where the CBFD stands today.

The department is working to create a museum on-site that will highlight the history of the organization. Kline thought the lintel would make a perfect addition to the collection.

"The museum is still in process," Kline said, noting that the department is gathering items to display.

Columbia has one of the oldest volunteer fire services in the United States, and fire protection in Columbia Borough has long been defined by a rich history of service and community commitment. That legacy entered a new chapter in 2008, when Columbia No. 1 Fire Company, Susquehanna Fire & Rescue Company and Columbia Consolidated Fire Company began discussions about merging into a single, unified department.

Committees from all three companies met monthly over several years to map out the future of fire and rescue services in the borough. Ultimately, leaders selected the Susquehanna Fire Company's Manor Street station as the headquarters for the newly formed Columbia Borough Fire Department. Equipment from Columbia No. 1 was relocated to the Manor Street site, while the Front Street station continued to house squads, boats, special units and the traffic unit until its eventual sale.

On Aug. 4, 2015, CBFD officially began operating as one department from the Manor Street station, with personnel cross-trained to operate all apparatus and equipment. Today, CBFD carries forward its long-standing tradition, continuing to provide fire and rescue services to Columbia Borough and surrounding communities while honoring a proud and enduring past.

"The fire service from inception until today has changed dramatically," Kline noted, recalling the bucket brigades of the past.

The company has been on the cutting edge of firefighting work for years. It featured the first River Rescue unit in the region and employed the first thermal imaging camera in the county. The department responded to more than 800 calls in 2025, and so far in 2026, it has handled more than 230 incidents. The company stays connected to the community with programs for Columbia Borough schools, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, day cares, senior centers and religious organizations. It also offers tours of the fire station and fire safety education programs. The Hambones Social Club, located on-site, provides membership for people age 21 and older and also hosts social events for the public throughout the year.

"Supporting the department can be done in many forms," Kline said. "Volunteers are always needed, whether being a firefighter or in support roles for fundraisers, work details, bingo or a leadership role. Monetary contributions are always welcome."

To learn more about the CBFD, visit http://www.cbfd80.com.