Fire & Rescue

In 1953, the men started a dues assessment on themselves to raise funds to purchase another fire truck. A used truck was purchased and fitted with a custom built tank. A pump and booster hose was then added. Later, 1 1/2 fire hose was purchased and installed. All of this was done by volunteers without assistance from the city. Meanwhile, the wives of the firemen formed the auxiliary to the department in 1953.

Later in 1952, the department was reorganized with a new set of by-laws. The new members were required to apply for membership and the roster was soon filled to 20 men due to the increased population.

In 1948 the department had responded to five fire calls and conducted drills once a month. By 1951, the department responded to 26 fires. Because of the number of brush fires in the area, the year 1952 brought about some changes. Chief Banes wanted to purchase a unit with the capability of pumping from the front. When the department bought a new 1950 Seagrave Engine despite his protests, he, along with several members, quit in April of 1952.

In April of 1948 Fire Chief Cannon became ill and Elmer Bane was appointed acting Chief. Bane served as acting chief until October when he was elected chief and then served until 1952. The firemen were notified of fire by a siren that was installed on a pole at the corner of Park Avenue, which was located in the center of town. When there was a fire, one of the volunteer firemen that lived next to the siren would blow it. A shed to store their first fire truck an American LaFrance was constructed on Park Avenue where the water department is currently located.