Western Springs' Fire Department - The Early Years

Formed in 1894 with just 10 volunteer firefighters, the Western Springs Fire Department’s first piece of equipment was a hand-pulled cart with 500 feet of hose, similar to that shown in the first photo. It was purchased by the Village for $155 and stored in a resident’s barn. And, since there was no pumping mechanism, the firefighters had to rely on the village fire hydrants’ water pressure to extinguish fires.

By 1924, the local population had grown to 1,100 and so the Village Board purchased its first fire engine, an International/Buffalo capable of pumping 300 gallons of water per minute. See second photo.

Just 13 years later, this engine accompanied the all-volunteer department to a tournament at Chicago’s Soldier Field. There, the department competed against those of other towns in a variety of firefighting skills. And, against all odds, they were proclaimed National Champions in the volunteer division. See third photo.

By 1941, the village decided to upgrade its fire apparatus by purchasing a brand new FWD engine which could pump 500 gallons per minute. It was painted white to be more visible at night and had enclosed ladders and an enclosed cab, features that were new for that era. Over time, it would be joined by a 1952 Ward-LaFrance engine and a 1967 FWD snorkel. See fourth photo.

Today’s fire department remains primarily volunteer, but the equipment and training have progressed far beyond what our first firefighters could have ever imagined. As one of the first Chicago suburbs to offer paramedic service, the department continues to innovate and build on the foundation first established in 1894.

Each week, the Western Springs Historical Society presents a “Blast from the Past”. To view prior stories, visit us at www.westernspringshistory.org or just click on the author’s name shown above