Feature Article on fire department.
Topic: ORGANIZATION & DOWNTOWN/BUILDINGS
By Stan Crosley, Chief Sidney Fire Dept., in December, 1998
SIDNEY'S FIRE PROTECTION, 1857-1906. FIRE DANGER MOUNTED AS MFG. BASE GREW |
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Sidney’s Fire Department, informally organized as a fire brigade in 1857, has an exciting past full of tradition and hometown pride. Rapidly growing with a number of manufacturing firms starting up then, Sidney began to anticipate fire. When an alarm of fire sounded, brigade members would run quickly to the scene, grabbing the nearest bucket. Once there, they located a water source and then formed two lines, one passing full buckets and the other returning the empties. This method continued until 1869 when city council authorized purchase of an Anderson Fire Engine, pulled by hand to the fire and pumped by handles on each side. The pumper was stored on the east side of Main near Court, although exact location is unknown. RED NOT BLACK, FIRE BUCKETS. Sidney’s approach to fire protection changed dramatically in 1872 when council authorized purchase of a hook and ladder wagon and buckets for $588. The wagon was pulled by hand and featured several ground ladders. In an era of black fire buckets, Sidney distinguished itself with red ones. Council also authorized a small hose house for $185, built on the southeast corner of Main and Court, later site of the county jail. City council the next year bought a hose reel for $411 and moved the hose house to the courtsquare across the street.[ Back ] [ Next ] [ Up ] [ New Search ] |
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