Name/Title
Waupun Fire DepartmentScope and Content
Historical information on Waupun Fire Department for 1976 Bicentennial Celebration in Waupun, WI.
*Facts are typed and handwritten and was scanned with mistakes, if any, left uncorrected.
WAUPUN FIRE DEPARTMENT
Waupun's first Fire Department was formed in 1874 with 45 men who agreed to work without pay. The village purchased a Champion chemical fire engine for the cost of $2,000. Later in 1878, the city purchased a steam water engine and a local factory designed a hose cart. It was unique because of its light weight.
On October 1, 1881 the department re-organized forming Hose Company No. 1 and Ladder No. 1. On September 1, 1940, the by-laws were revised by the Fire and Police Commission. The department is governed by Chapter 4 of the Municipal Code of the City of Waupun.
Presently the department maintains five vehicles; one 85' aerial ladder, one 1,000 gallon Pirsch pumper; one step-van utility truck; one 1,200 gallon water truck and one 1,000 gallon seagraves pump truck.
Today we have 26 valiant volunteer fire men, with Norman Lenz as chief, and Erwin Beske and Don Dykstra as his assistant chiefs.
The men's primary concern is fire fighting and rescue work; however, they actively engage in sponsoring dances, holding concession, playing baseball and basketball. Through their combined efforts they further service to Waupun by aiding the needs of our Senior Citizens and supporting youth activities.
There are eight men on the Country Department, with Norman Lenz as Chief and Don Dykstra as his assistant, with Ron Beer as Captain.
Hook and Ladder Company: Chief, Erwin Beske, Lt., Richard Towne; Bryan Guenther, James Searvogel, Carl Lackey, Alex Darnick, John Staehling, Robert Gerrits, Norman Aalsma, Wallace Beekman, Ron VandeZande.
Hose Company: Captain, Gary Schilhabel; Lt., Ron Krueger; John Nummerdor, Wayne Nummerdor, Larry Krueziger, Don Peters, Gordon Schroeder, Ron Harmsen, Robert Bentley, Vernon Hagen.
County Department: Chief, Norm Lenz; Assistant Chief, Don Dystra; Captain, Ron Beer; Gary Schilhabel, Wayne VerHage, Robert McDowell, Norman Aalsma and Wallace Beekman.
The 26 valiant members are: Norman Lenz, Don Dystra, Don Peters, Bob Bentley, Rick towne, John Staehling, Carl Lackey, Vern Tagen, Erv "Sonny" Beske, Ron Beers, Wayne VerHage, Bob McDowell, Bryan Guenther, John Nummerdor, Alex Darnick, Wally Beekman, Bob Gerrits, Ron VandeZande, Ron Harmsen, Norm Aalsma, Ron Krueger, Gordon Schroeder, Larry Kreuziger,Gary Schilhabel, and James Searvogel.
Community Fire Trucks:
The Waupun Community fire trucks answer calls to Alto, Chester, Trenton and Waupun townships. The first truck was bought in 1927 for a cost of $4,850. It was rebuilt in 1935 at a cost of $1,800. The truck was given to Alto in 1935 when a new truck was purchased.
The two community fire trucks are parked in the fire house with the city fire trucks.
The costs of labor, equipment and repair are shared by the townships on a percentage basis determined over a five year average of the number of service calls. Chester & Waupun townships pay 33 percent of the cost, Trenton 23½ , & Alto 10% because they have 2 trucks & a crew of 30 men available for their own protection. Included in the cost of fire protection is the practice pay for the volunteers.
A new truck was bought recently of lime green color which matches the shade of the new city fire truck.Acquisition
Accession
2016.0075Source or Donor
Waupun Area Chamber of CommerceAcquisition Method
Donation
