No. 7 posed at Station 3
Fictional Department History
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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.
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.
Engine 5 is purchased for the new fire station. Initially manned by volunteers.
Engine 5 posed in front of the station.
The Fire Chief is provided with a new 1958 Bel Air to replace the 1940 era Ford.
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.
A new tanker is placed into service in 1960 at Station 2 to improve rural fire protection.
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.
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.
1963 the Town opens Station 6 to provide protection to a largely residential area.
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. |
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