Lexington, Illinois Fire Department
(October 2006)
Taken from Stories of the Past and Poetry by Morris Jones
The Early Lexington Fire Department
Lexington did not have city water before 1900. Most citizens had their private wells, but the business places and the people living on Main Street were supplied by two city wells, which were in the center of Main Street. One was in front of the Mahan Building (lately the location of Dr. Stephey’s Dental Office) and the other was in front of where the grocery store is now located. The wells were equipped with hand pumps and there were troughs for watering horses. The wells were a busy place, as people were lined up getting their water for the day and exchanging greetings and gossip. When there was a fire, a hand pump was used that resembled a railway handcar. It took four men to work the pump and the hose was dropped into a well or a cistern at a home. They also often used the bucket brigade as no city water was available until 1900.
Volunteers helped fight fires by the “bucket brigade” method before fire hydrants, city water,
and modern equipment were available. (Picture from internet source)
The stand pipe (water tower) was built in 1900 and fire hydrants were installed. The fire fighting machine shown in the next picture was also purchased in 1900. This type of hose cart was still in use in 1918. It had a tongue but was pulled mostly by hand as it would take too long to go to the livery stable and get a team of horses. There was no need for a siren as every one had plenty of time to get out of the way.
Picture from Jones book
Grant Preble was the fire chief. In the roaring twenties Raymond Crawford was appointed fire chief and I joined the fire fighting volunteers. The fire chief was paid five dollars per fire and the volunteers received two dollars per fire and we furnished our own raincoats and helmets. Mr. Crawford improved the department by purchasing a used model T Ford truck.
Proud firefighters and their model T fire truck from internet source
There were not many fire hydrants on the outskirts of town but the truck had a power pump and we could drop the pump hose in a fire well or cistern. Many people had cess pools and at night it was hard to tell the difference between a fire well and a cess pool. When this error was made, it usually took two firemen to hold the lady of the house to keep her from beating up the fire chief.
Lexington did not get paved streets until 1925 so in the spring and fall there were ruts down to the culverts and when the fire truck hit a culvert, there was a big bump. One night I was sitting on a pile of fire hose in the back of the truck when it hit a culvert and the hose and I went 10 feet in the air! The hose came down in the truck, but when I landed, the truck and hose were long gone and I lit in the mud. We put out many fires with that old truck, but sometimes all we managed to save was the basement.
Later the name changed from Lexington Fire Department to Lexington Community Fire Protection District and a fleet of new trucks was purchased. It began giving protection to the rural district as well as the city of Lexington.
Typical 1952 fire truck (picture from internet)
Following article taken from
THE PANTAGRAPH Bloomington, Illinois Friday, February 18, 1948
ORGANIZE FIRE DEPARTMENT AT LEXINGTON
A meeting was held Friday night to organize a volunteer fire department in Lexington. The names of 25 volunteers were accepted by Mayor Gilbert Elson. They will be voted on by the city council at its March meeting. Elmo Poshard, fire chief, Clifford Thomas assistant fire chief, and E.W. Towner secretary, were elected at a meeting Monday night. Firemen will meet regularly on the last Monday of each month for training classes. Since the organization of the fire department there have been four fires: the A.W. Swartz home; a trailer belonging to U.G. Trent; the Harvey Holloway home; and the house occupied by Mr. And Mrs. Don Payne and Mr. and Mrs. Reed Gordon.
From Fire Department Historical files
shared at recent dedication of new firehouse.
October 6, 1952
The Trustees of the Lexington Community Fire Protection District, with attorney Hoopes, met at Frank Stewart’s Oct. 6, 1952. The contract with contractor William Stranhan for construction of a building to house the fire equipment of said district was discussed and a resolution to accept the same adopted.
The contract with the Peine Lumber company to furnish the material for the construction of the building adopted.
Be it resolved by the Lexington Community Fire Protection district that said District will borrow the sum of Six Thousand dollars ($6,000) to be evidenced by two promissory notes of Three Thousand ($3,000) each; one payable to Albert Harms and wife and one to Emory Hefner and wife bearing rate of four percent (4%) per annum with maturity of Oct. 20, 1956.
Eldon Atkins was elected Vice President of the Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees adopted a corporate seal.
They also issued Tax Anticipation Warrants for the 1952 tax levy.
Emile Rediger, President
Frank Stewart, Secretary
Picture of first firehouse located at the base of the Lexington water tower near city park.
The Lexington Community Fire Protection District was served well for over 50 years by the complex of buildings across from the city park that started with this small building. Miles Ward served the longest tenure as chief from 1952 until 1986. Then Wally Sleeter and Joe Leitzenberg each served a short time until 1994 when the present chief, Jim Berry, was appointed.
In June, 2002 a devastating fire at Lexington school was largely averted by the quick action of the Lexington fire fighters. Then the fire department itself experienced the nightmare of a fire event in its own station in September of 2002. As a gesture of thanks and to show support, the Lexington students and teachers collected coins in their classrooms for a month to present to the local firemen.
Script from presentation by Lexington school children to Lexington firemen Fall, 2002.
Our Lexington Students and Teachers Had a Successful Fire Fighters Flag Fund Drive in October.
(Read by 5th grade students at an assembly to several Lexington fire fighters in attendance.)
Our Lexington volunteer firemen are so important in our lives. Many of them are our relatives and friends. They have been here through the years helping us learn about fire safety and prevention. They monitor our fire drills and present programs for Fire Prevention Week. Every year they sponsor the Fire Poster Contest, pick the winners, and donate prizes. Many of us have enjoyed riding in their shiny, red trucks in a parade. Some of us have watched them in action at a fire or an accident scene. Last summer they saved our school from total destruction. On September 11 our local fire station burned. It is being repaired now, and so this was a good opportunity for us to SHOW OUR PRIDE in our Lexington Volunteer Fire Department and join together to say THANKS. Now close your eyes and picture a newly restored Lexington fire station with a shiny flagpole and a crisp new American flag waving proudly. Look closely and you will notice a new plaque that reads:
“These poles and flags presented to our heroes, the Lexington Volunteer Firemen
with much thanks for all they do for us. From the students and staff of Lexington Schools”
This vision WILL come true since we are presenting $1029 to the Lexington Volunteer Firemen to finish this project. We aimed to collect about $350-$400 to cover the cost of a pole, flag, plaque and installation, so our efforts certainly exceeded our expectations. This flag will be enjoyed for many years to come so let's give a big hand for everyone who made the vision come true.
(Picture above shows new poles and flags in place on the renovated building in 2003.)
The following PICTURES from Lexington Fire Station meeting room made by Kristen Heuer, 2006
This picture contains the obituary of Miles Ward. Copies are available to view at The Fort.
When long-time chief Miles Ward died in 2006, the entire community and beyond honored him. “Miles received military and graveside rites on April 21, 2006. He was a hero to many and respected by even more. In his honor the Bloomington Fire Department and the Normal Fire Department provided the flag seen in these pictures. It was flown over Main Street during his service.”
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These three works of art now hang in the firemen’s meeting
room to honor the long service of the highly respected chief.
From Dedication of Lexington Fire Station Sunday, September 17, 2006
NEW LEXINGTON FIRE STATION DEDICATED
After the expenditure of approximately $550,000 for the new Lexington Fire Station, it was dedicated on September 17, 2006. Chief Jim Berry stated, “We present this building to be dedicated to the glory of almighty God and for service in the protection of the citizens of Lexington and the surrounding area.
Then the Lexington Protective Personnel rededicated themselves to serve within, through and beyond its walls with these words: “Let us give ourselves anew to the service of God and the protection of our citizens: We dedicate anew our minds, that they may be ever alert; We dedicate anew our bodies, that they may be healthy and fit to serve in time of need; And we dedicate anew our labors, that they may be according to God’s will, and that their fruit may glorify God’s name and serve our citizens.
The ceremony ended with a closing prayer to help us preserve this fire station, be blessed by its presence in our community, and pass it on to coming generations, that they may live with the same sense of security that we this day enjoy.
From The Lexingtonian Weekly Newspaper October 5, 2006
The building is 110 ft. x 60 ft. and has room for four trucks and one ambulance. One bay is empty for future expansion. The building features an ambulance room with radio, a chief's room, training office, a file room, and a large meeting room. The department has been looking forward to this day for many years. The old building uptown was not wide enough for the new vehicles and had outgrown its usefulness. The city purchased the old building which helped raise some funds. A small tax increase a couple of years ago also helped, bringing in about $40,000 extra annually. The department was able to buy the lot about 2 years ago from Uftring Chevrolet, which had suffered a fire and moved to a new location.
The department has 25 firefighters which is down from a high of about 33 at one time. Chief Berry spoke about the problem keeping numbers up. "It used to be 4 or 5 worked out of town, but now only 4 or 5 work in town." Assistant Fire Chief is Jason Birkenbill.
Lexington's attractive new fire station was dedicated September 17, 2006.
