Janesville Fire Department Past 

      Prior to an official Janesville Fire Department being established, volunteer bucket brigades were the sole chance for fire extinguishment.  As Janesville continued to grow in the mid 1800's, bucket brigades were quickly becoming insufficient. In February of 1850, a group of prominent businessmen met and organized a volunteer hook and ladder company to help replace the bucket brigades.

     Rescue Hook and Ladder No. 1 took to the streets in the summer of 1851.  It was home manufactured and described as "unique".  The company was outfitted with red shirts and leather helmets.  William Hemming and John Hodson were reportedly the first men to appear in a fireman's uniform in Janesville.  Martin Dewey was the first foreman of the company and Robert Christie was his assistant.
      A large fire, which destroyed the Stevens House Hotel in 1853, prompted common council to take action on bettering the fire department and apparatus. This action did not occur until 1855 when two new fire companies were formed and new equipment was received. The two companies were named Rock River Engine Company No. 1 and Water Witch Company No. 2.  The No.1 Engine Company was located on the west side of the Rock River and the No. 2 Engine Company was located on the east side. The new apparatus consisted of a hand engine and a two-wheeled hose cart for each company. And on June 25, 1855 the new Janesville Fire Department became reality.
      Side Note: These two companies became very efficient and began to compete with other area fire companies (which was common at the time) at fairs and other events. Water Witch Company No. 2 was a great competitor throughout the state and, except for two occasions, would come home with “the broom on her deck”, symbolizing a clean sweep. Rock River Company No.1 also was a competitor, but in July of 1891 it was forced to disband by Common Council. The reason; members disobeyed the Chief by taking the engine to compete in Monroe during the Fourth of July celebration. After disbanding, the members reorganized as Washington Engine Company No. 3.
       Back to 1855. Although fire fighting had improved greatly in a short amount of time, more improvement was needed, especially with crowd control and looters. A decision was made to organize a company of not more than twenty men whose duties would be to take charge of personal property at fires, to guard buildings, and to assume general police duties as needed. This organization became known as Sack Company No. 1. (Later known as Janesville Fire Police) These members were prominent men of the community; usually doctors, lawyers, and businessmen. They were given a star-shaped badge, a lantern, and a sack. The sack was used to gather small valuables and carry them to a place of safety. These members were also sworn in as “special police” and given the same powers as regular police.
      Also in 1856, another hook and ladder company organized. It was known as Eagle Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. Eagle and the original Rescue Hook and Ladder Companies merged and received a new “truck” which was housed in a building behind the Hyatt Hotel.
      In the 1860’s numerous large fires began to plague the city of Janesville. One was “The Great Main Street Fire”, which occurred December 12, 1865. It destroyed all the buildings on the east side of Main Street, from the corner of North Main and First Street to the Carle Block. Due to winds, spot fires also started other buildings on fire, some distance away. Another historical fire was at the Hyatt Hotel, which occurred January 12, 1867. It was five stories high and the biggest building at the time in downtown Janesville. The Hyatt fire killed one woman and destroyed the entire building, at a cost of $140,000 ($2,130,570 today). Three days later, the Morse and Hanson Furniture factory and the McChesney Mill were both totally destroyed by fire. On July 14, 1867, the Allen and Schuyler’s flax mill at Monterey was totally destroyed by fire with a loss of $12,000 ($182,620 today). The citizens and fire fighters began demanding something to be done by Common Council. Hand engines had become outdated with the introduction of new steam engines, and the people wanted the newer equipment. After another large fire occurred on January 20, 1868 destroying the American House Hotel, new equipment was finally on the horizon for Janesville. In August of 1868, two new steamer horse-drawn engines were purchased and placed in both the west and east side firehouses.
 
 
        As time moved on, a lot of changes developed over the years with equipment, personnel, wages, and many other things. In 1876 a new west side fire station was built where the Milwaukee Street branch of Chase Bank now stands. The same year, a new fire alarm telegraph system was installed around the City of Janesville. In 1877 the east side fire station was replaced and stood where Firefighters Park now exists. The 1880’s became the era of Janesville Fire Department becoming a paid agency. It also was the time box alarms replaced telegraph alarms and waterworks was established, which brought pumping stations and hydrants to the city. In 1889 the Fire Police Wagon was placed in service out of the east side station. Not long after, a stretcher was made to fit the Fire Police Wagon and Janesville’s first ambulance was here. The wagon hauled sick and injured to Mercy Hospital, which was located close to where it is today. 
     In 1904 new construction began on the city’s third firehouse. This was the Springbrook Engine House. It was located on Mckey Boulevard, which is now a section of South Jackson Street. It went into service in 1905. Also in the same year, a group of men were given the title of Rescue Battalion. These men were some of the first to specialize in non-fire related emergencies. Most of these documented emergencies occurred as water rescues for both humans and horses. In 1910 and 1912, Janesville Fire Department bought their first and second motorized fire vehicles. The first was a Chief Engineers car and the second was a Hose and Chemical vehicle build by Seagrave. 
       The worst fire of Janesville’s history occurred in 1913 and was thought to be arson. This fire was the Milwaukee Street Bridge Fire. Damage was estimated between $300,000 and $500,000 ($6,456,096 and $10,760,161 today). 1914 became the year the first efforts of active fire prevention occurred. The fire chief and city commission implemented fire codes and education that soon brought fire damage numbers down.
      1924 was a big year for Janesville Fire Department. A two-platoon system began after the city increased its roster to twenty-four personnel. The city closed the east side and Springbrook stations and centralized all equipment and men to the No.1 House on River Street. In addition, the department became all motorized and also started training for all personnel, including first aid.
 
 
       The city’s first Line of Duty Death occurred March 2, 1925. Fire Fighter Edward Lichtfus fell from a roof while fighting a residential fire on Locust Street. He landed on frozen ground and was taken to Mercy Hospital were he died. See LODD Page 
       In 1940 Janesville applied to the FCC for permission to operate two-way radios. Permission was granted and in November of the same year, a radio was installed in a fire truck. Twenty personnel were then taught over the next month on how to properly use the radio.
        Janesville Fire Department underwent another huge change in 1957 when two new fire stations were built. Central Station (also known as Station No.1) was constructed on Milton Avenue and currently operates there today. A substation known as Station No. 2 was built on Racine Street and is no longer in operation at that location. Both stations were built at the cost of $277,300 ($2,097,673 today). 
        The city’s second Line of Duty Death occurred November 11, 1959. Fire Fighter William Finnane was killed was a wall collapsed on him and two others. Finnane was rushed to Mercy Hospital, were he died a few hours later. See LODD Page
       Ambulance duties were as important to the fire department in the 1960’s as they are today. In 1964 the department went on 648 ambulance runs. The ambulance crew consisted of two men dressed with fire helmets and white coats that had taken advanced first aid courses. These men slept on the first floor near the front of the building to ensure a quick response. The department charged a fee of ten dollars per call to defray the cost and keep taxes down for the citizens of Janesville. 
       In January of 1970 firefighters who were seeking equal pay with police nearly went on strike as city officials kept denying Union firefighters proposals. After a marathon of meetings at city hall, an agreement was met and the strike was avoided at the last minute.
      Fire Station No. 3, which is located on Crosby Avenue, was built and opened in February 1970. Although originally built to house twelve personnel and two trucks, this station currently houses three personnel and operates with one paramedic engine.
       In 1974, Janesville Fire Department sent it’s first firefighters to paramedic school. The citizens of Janesville came forward in helping fund the purchase of equipment to ensure the paramedic program was successful. Successful it was; today Janesville has four ambulances that are staffed by two paramedics at all times.
    Station No. 4 was added to Janesville's west side in 1980. Eighteen new firefighters were hired to man the city’s new station. Station No. 4 currently houses an ambulance, engine, hazardous material response van/trailer, and inspector truck.
      Incident Command System came to Janesville Fire Department in 1984. Firefighters no longer had to wait for the chief or shift commander to arrive before fighting a fire. The first-in officer was in charge and command passed, if needed, to the shift commander once they arrived. This allowed for more efficient fire ground operation and better use of manpower. Also in 1984, Chief Art Stearns pressed for a new training center. City Council approved the facility and the nineteen-acre site is located near the County buildings along County Highway F.
     Station No. 5 was built on Janesville’s northeast side in 1996.  At the same time, the new Station No. 2 was built and relocated.  It is more south than the previous Station No. 2. Both stations are identical to each other. Both house an ambulance and Station No. 2 houses a 75-foot quint, while Station No. 5 houses an engine.

 Janesville Fire Department Past 

      Prior to an official Janesville Fire Department being established, volunteer bucket brigades were the sole chance for fire extinguishment.  As Janesville continued to grow in the mid 1800's, bucket brigades were quickly becoming insufficient. In February of 1850, a group of prominent businessmen met and organized a volunteer hook and ladder company to help replace the bucket brigades.

     Rescue Hook and Ladder No. 1 took to the streets in the summer of 1851.  It was home manufactured and described as "unique".  The company was outfitted with red shirts and leather helmets.  William Hemming and John Hodson were reportedly the first men to appear in a fireman's uniform in Janesville.  Martin Dewey was the first foreman of the company and Robert Christie was his assistant.
      A large fire, which destroyed the Stevens House Hotel in 1853, prompted common council to take action on bettering the fire department and apparatus. This action did not occur until 1855 when two new fire companies were formed and new equipment was received. The two companies were named Rock River Engine Company No. 1 and Water Witch Company No. 2.  The No.1 Engine Company was located on the west side of the Rock River and the No. 2 Engine Company was located on the east side. The new apparatus consisted of a hand engine and a two-wheeled hose cart for each company. And on June 25, 1855 the new Janesville Fire Department became reality.
      Side Note: These two companies became very efficient and began to compete with other area fire companies (which was common at the time) at fairs and other events. Water Witch Company No. 2 was a great competitor throughout the state and, except for two occasions, would come home with “the broom on her deck”, symbolizing a clean sweep. Rock River Company No.1 also was a competitor, but in July of 1891 it was forced to disband by Common Council. The reason; members disobeyed the Chief by taking the engine to compete in Monroe during the Fourth of July celebration. After disbanding, the members reorganized as Washington Engine Company No. 3.
       Back to 1855. Although fire fighting had improved greatly in a short amount of time, more improvement was needed, especially with crowd control and looters. A decision was made to organize a company of not more than twenty men whose duties would be to take charge of personal property at fires, to guard buildings, and to assume general police duties as needed. This organization became known as Sack Company No. 1. (Later known as Janesville Fire Police) These members were prominent men of the community; usually doctors, lawyers, and businessmen. They were given a star-shaped badge, a lantern, and a sack. The sack was used to gather small valuables and carry them to a place of safety. These members were also sworn in as “special police” and given the same powers as regular police.
      Also in 1856, another hook and ladder company organized. It was known as Eagle Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. Eagle and the original Rescue Hook and Ladder Companies merged and received a new “truck” which was housed in a building behind the Hyatt Hotel.
      In the 1860’s numerous large fires began to plague the city of Janesville. One was “The Great Main Street Fire”, which occurred December 12, 1865. It destroyed all the buildings on the east side of Main Street, from the corner of North Main and First Street to the Carle Block. Due to winds, spot fires also started other buildings on fire, some distance away. Another historical fire was at the Hyatt Hotel, which occurred January 12, 1867. It was five stories high and the biggest building at the time in downtown Janesville. The Hyatt fire killed one woman and destroyed the entire building, at a cost of $140,000 ($2,130,570 today). Three days later, the Morse and Hanson Furniture factory and the McChesney Mill were both totally destroyed by fire. On July 14, 1867, the Allen and Schuyler’s flax mill at Monterey was totally destroyed by fire with a loss of $12,000 ($182,620 today). The citizens and fire fighters began demanding something to be done by Common Council. Hand engines had become outdated with the introduction of new steam engines, and the people wanted the newer equipment. After another large fire occurred on January 20, 1868 destroying the American House Hotel, new equipment was finally on the horizon for Janesville. In August of 1868, two new steamer horse-drawn engines were purchased and placed in both the west and east side firehouses.
 
 
        As time moved on, a lot of changes developed over the years with equipment, personnel, wages, and many other things. In 1876 a new west side fire station was built where the Milwaukee Street branch of Chase Bank now stands. The same year, a new fire alarm telegraph system was installed around the City of Janesville. In 1877 the east side fire station was replaced and stood where Firefighters Park now exists. The 1880’s became the era of Janesville Fire Department becoming a paid agency. It also was the time box alarms replaced telegraph alarms and waterworks was established, which brought pumping stations and hydrants to the city. In 1889 the Fire Police Wagon was placed in service out of the east side station. Not long after, a stretcher was made to fit the Fire Police Wagon and Janesville’s first ambulance was here. The wagon hauled sick and injured to Mercy Hospital, which was located close to where it is today. 
     In 1904 new construction began on the city’s third firehouse. This was the Springbrook Engine House. It was located on Mckey Boulevard, which is now a section of South Jackson Street. It went into service in 1905. Also in the same year, a group of men were given the title of Rescue Battalion. These men were some of the first to specialize in non-fire related emergencies. Most of these documented emergencies occurred as water rescues for both humans and horses. In 1910 and 1912, Janesville Fire Department bought their first and second motorized fire vehicles. The first was a Chief Engineers car and the second was a Hose and Chemical vehicle build by Seagrave. 
       The worst fire of Janesville’s history occurred in 1913 and was thought to be arson. This fire was the Milwaukee Street Bridge Fire. Damage was estimated between $300,000 and $500,000 ($6,456,096 and $10,760,161 today). 1914 became the year the first efforts of active fire prevention occurred. The fire chief and city commission implemented fire codes and education that soon brought fire damage numbers down.
      1924 was a big year for Janesville Fire Department. A two-platoon system began after the city increased its roster to twenty-four personnel. The city closed the east side and Springbrook stations and centralized all equipment and men to the No.1 House on River Street. In addition, the department became all motorized and also started training for all personnel, including first aid.
 
 
       The city’s first Line of Duty Death occurred March 2, 1925. Fire Fighter Edward Lichtfus fell from a roof while fighting a residential fire on Locust Street. He landed on frozen ground and was taken to Mercy Hospital were he died. See LODD Page 
       In 1940 Janesville applied to the FCC for permission to operate two-way radios. Permission was granted and in November of the same year, a radio was installed in a fire truck. Twenty personnel were then taught over the next month on how to properly use the radio.
        Janesville Fire Department underwent another huge change in 1957 when two new fire stations were built. Central Station (also known as Station No.1) was constructed on Milton Avenue and currently operates there today. A substation known as Station No. 2 was built on Racine Street and is no longer in operation at that location. Both stations were built at the cost of $277,300 ($2,097,673 today). 
        The city’s second Line of Duty Death occurred November 11, 1959. Fire Fighter William Finnane was killed was a wall collapsed on him and two others. Finnane was rushed to Mercy Hospital, were he died a few hours later. See LODD Page
       Ambulance duties were as important to the fire department in the 1960’s as they are today. In 1964 the department went on 648 ambulance runs. The ambulance crew consisted of two men dressed with fire helmets and white coats that had taken advanced first aid courses. These men slept on the first floor near the front of the building to ensure a quick response. The department charged a fee of ten dollars per call to defray the cost and keep taxes down for the citizens of Janesville. 
       In January of 1970 firefighters who were seeking equal pay with police nearly went on strike as city officials kept denying Union firefighters proposals. After a marathon of meetings at city hall, an agreement was met and the strike was avoided at the last minute.
      Fire Station No. 3, which is located on Crosby Avenue, was built and opened in February 1970. Although originally built to house twelve personnel and two trucks, this station currently houses three personnel and operates with one paramedic engine.
       In 1974, Janesville Fire Department sent it’s first firefighters to paramedic school. The citizens of Janesville came forward in helping fund the purchase of equipment to ensure the paramedic program was successful. Successful it was; today Janesville has four ambulances that are staffed by two paramedics at all times.
    Station No. 4 was added to Janesville's west side in 1980. Eighteen new firefighters were hired to man the city’s new station. Station No. 4 currently houses an ambulance, engine, hazardous material response van/trailer, and inspector truck.
      Incident Command System came to Janesville Fire Department in 1984. Firefighters no longer had to wait for the chief or shift commander to arrive before fighting a fire. The first-in officer was in charge and command passed, if needed, to the shift commander once they arrived. This allowed for more efficient fire ground operation and better use of manpower. Also in 1984, Chief Art Stearns pressed for a new training center. City Council approved the facility and the nineteen-acre site is located near the County buildings along County Highway F.
     Station No. 5 was built on Janesville’s northeast side in 1996.  At the same time, the new Station No. 2 was built and relocated.  It is more south than the previous Station No. 2. Both stations are identical to each other. Both house an ambulance and Station No. 2 houses a 75-foot quint, while Station No. 5 houses an engine.
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