Fictional Department History

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No. 7 posed at Station 3

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The continued rapid growth of the township requires Station 4 to be built in 1956. A larger living quarters is provided with the anticipation of running a larger career crew in the future.

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Engine 4 is equipped with this 1956 American Lafrance.

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No. 8 posed at the station.

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After a series of fires at the former WWII era base, Fire Station 5 is added there in 1958, to provide service to this rapidly growing area of the township. Similar to the station built just 2 years prior, there are a few subtle differences.

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Engine 5 is purchased for the new fire station. Initially manned by volunteers.

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Engine 5 posed in front of the station.

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The Fire Chief is provided with a new 1958 Bel Air to replace the 1940 era Ford.

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In 1960, a new Station 2 is constructed to replace the 30 year old station. This new station will serve as departmental headquarters for a decade.

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The 1953 Ford is moved into the new station.

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A new tanker is placed into service in 1960 at Station 2 to improve rural fire protection.

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No. 10 posed in front of quarters

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In 1961, the population has grown substantially, with a large industrial and commercial base, the Township now incorporates as a Town. The graphics on new apparatus reflect this.

Station 1 receives a new 1961 Seagrave Engine, which finally retires the first truck, the 1926 Seagrave, after 35 years of service. Old No. 1 is maintained as a parade piece. No. 3 becomes the primary spare. When Engine 1 goes into service, it is the first truck to run a 3 man crew at all times.

Original drawing credits to Devianart.

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The new Engine 1 posed.

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Also in 1961, the first ladder truck is purchased, and it also runs from the tight quarters of Station 1. The ladder is manned by a single firefighter at all times.

Original drawing by Deviantart.

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Ladder 1 in front of quarters.

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1963 the Town opens Station 6 to provide protection to a largely residential area.

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Engine 6 is this 1963 International

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Engine 6 is front of quarters

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1964 brings about major changes to the department. Due to increasing call volumes, working fires, the number of stations and the number of career and volunteer firefighters, a reorganization of the department takes place. The position of Deputy Chief is created, to assist the fire chief in managing the department. A Battalion Chief position is created to have a chief officer on duty at all times.  The Fire Prevention Bureau and Training Division are created and will be housed in the new Station 7, being constructed in a major industrial development area. The department is starting to come of age as a professional organization. Although still a composite department with career firefighters at most stations and volunteers at all of them, the seeds are being sown to move towards a mostly career department.

The Chief receives a new 1964 Ford Fairlane, the 1958 Bel Air becomes a spare staff car, but is used by the newly created fire prevention bureau.