City Of Littleton Highlights Anniversary Of 1st Fire Department

LITTLETON, CO — More than 12 decades ago, a prominent Littleton man created the city's first fire department. Named after its creator, the John G. Lilley Hook and Ladder Company was founded on July 19, 1890.

Two dozen volunteer firemen worked for the fire department. Their two-wheeled hose cart had to be trundled to the town's fires by manpower.

The City of Littleton posted a photo of Lilley from 1905 to mark the anniversary and highlight his accomplishments.

Lilley lived on a farm in the Platte River valley west of Littleton. Part of the 320 acres that he acquired is now the site of the Columbine Country Club. He and his wife owned cattle and grew wheat, oats and barley. They had ten children.

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Lilley served in the Colorado Territorial legislature in 1872, and played a large role in forming state agricultural legislation, according to City of Littleton records compiled by Doris Farmer Hulse. He was an Arapahoe County commissioner for three years beginning in 1874 and was a member of the Littleton District No. 6 School Board for more than twenty-five years.

Read Lilley's full biography on the City of Littleton website.