FIRE DEPARTMENT HISTORY

In the early years of Chippewa Falls, the city prospered from a huge logging industry, the largest sawmill in the world and a booming commercial district. These wood related industries brought with them the risk of very destructive fires. Citizens and city officials concluded that there was a great need for an organized fire department. In 1870, the first fire department was organized when 25 volunteers signed up. On November 1, 1870, city bonds totaling $5,000.00 were issued to purchase a fire engine. Shortly thereafter, a Silsby steam rotary engine arrived. Named the "James A. Taylor" after the chief engineer of the department, who was also the first mayor of Chippewa Falls, the pumper began to serve the needs of the fire department. By 1876, the department had an engine company housed at 308 Bay Street and a hook and ladder company housed at the city hall. In 1892, the department was reorganized to form a full-time, paid, professional fire department. A second horse drawn steamer was purchased in 1883.

1870   " THE JAMES A. TAYLOR" STEAMER #1

 Located at the Engine house at 308 Bay Street and driven by a team of horses

CIRCA 1883   THE ACTIVE HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY #1

 Located at the City building NW Corner of Bay and Central Streets

 CIRCA 1883    THE AMBROSE HOFFMAN STEAMER #2

 Located at the NW corner of Bay and Central

1917 JEFFERY FIRE TRUCK   

This was the first motorized apparatus of the Chippewa Falls Fire Department. Chicago bicycle manufacturer Thomas Jeffery bought a vacant plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin to build his new Rambler automobile in 1900. By 1917 he had sold 102,856 cars and trucks. This plant was bought by Charles Nash in 1917 and later became an American Motors plant and finally in 1987 a Chrysler Corporation plant.

CIRCA 1920 PACKARD FIRE TRUCK   

This was a Packard touring car converted to a lightweight hauling and equipment fire truck. This truck was not equipped with a fire pump.

CIRCA 1920 NASH QUAD 4 FIRE TRUCK

This was a four wheel drive truck

1920 STUTZ BEARCAT/NORTHERN ENGINE

CIRCA 1920 AMERICAN LAFRANCE ENGINE

1936 FORD DARLEY

1940 CHEVROLET DARLEY

1948 FWD DARLEY ENGINE #1

1954 FWD DARLEY ENGINE #2

1954 CHEVROLET TANKER

1960 INTERNATIONAL DARLEY ENGINE

1965 FORD DARLEY ENGINE #3

1947 AMERICAN LAFRANCE AERIAL LADDER

1973 INTERNATIONAL DARLEY TANKER

1975 FORD DARLEY ENGINE #1

   RETIRED RESCUE - 1987 ROAD RESCUE

  RETIRED BRUSH 1 - 1967 WILLIES JEEP

  RETIRED RESCUE 4 - 1993 WHEELED COACH

  RETIRED ENGINE 3 - 1986 HENDRICKSON/DARLEY

PAST FIRE CHIEFS

FIRE CHIEF                                              TENURE