IN 1913 THE CITY OF TONAWANDA BEGAN PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTING SERVICES TO ITS CITIZENS. THIS PAGE IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL #859.
The Village of Tonawanda was established in the 1820's and in 1856, with a population of roughly 2000 and growing, the first fire company was formed. This first fire company was nothing more than a "Bucket Brigade" using buckets of water to fight fires, so in 1863 a hand engine was purchased. A large fire in 1872 was the catalyst behind the purchase of a light class rotary steamer. The Silsby Manufacturing Company (Click here for Silsby history) built the steamer at a cost of $4,200.00, and after being placed into service in the Village, it was given the name "B.H. Long."In 1884 the Village built a water pumping station, and by 1888 had roughly four miles of piping and ninety-six hydrants.
In 1903, the Village of Tonawanda formally became the City of Tonawanda and began supplying the volunteer companies with horses to pull their apparatus. Prior to this the companies pulled the carts by hand, and later purchased their own horses. Following a disastrous fire at the Tonawanda Brewing Company in August of 1913, at which two of the City's fire apparatus were delayed almost 30 minutes due to lack of drivers, a committee was formed to look into hiring paid drivers. In September 1913a meeting was geld between the Mayor, City Alderman, Fire Chief, the City Fire Committee, and representatives from the four fire companies. A resolution was adopted from this meeting to appoint four drivers at a salary of $60.00 per month, and a fire chief at a salary of $75.00 per month. A Civil Service test was given to hire drivers for the new positions. On November 15th, 1913 paid drivers/janitors started work in the city, these men were:
John Kruse - Driver for Delaware Hose Co. #2
Charles Gau - Driver for National Hose Co. #1
Charles Oxcel - Driver for Niagara Hose Co. #3
Walter Luck - Driver for Union Hook & Ladder Co. #1
Walter Luck worked as a janitor in the quarters of Union Hook & Ladder Co. #1, because they had no team of horses, he was also responsible for "spelling" or providing relief for the other drivers once a week. When the ladder truck did respond to calls, the driver was not allowed to steer the rear of the truck, only members from the company could. The first call for the new drivers came on November 18th, 1913. A fire was reported at the American Hotel on North Niagara Street. The fire caused $31,500.00 damage, and completely destroyed the hotel.
On February 1st, 1916 C. Grover Rech was appointed to the position of Fire Chief, a position he will hold for the next 37 years. During his administration the department will undergo vast changes. The movement to motorize the department begins in 1917 when a 750gpm pumper is purchased from the Seagrave Corporation. This pumper is originally painted red, and remains that way until it is sen back to the company in 1927 for upgrades and repairs. In 1922, two REO Speed Wagon hose trucks are purchased for the Niagara Hose and Delaware Hose companies. These vehicles had no pumps. In August of 1926, a second 750gpm pumper arrives, and with it comes a new paint scheme. All vehicles from this point forward will be painted 242D "Tonawanda Yellow." September of 1929 sees the department's fleet become completely motorized when a 75 foot tiller ladder truck is placed in service. The vehicle is purchased from the Seagrave Corporation, and marks the end of the "Horse Drawn" era.
City of Tonawanda Professional Firefighters protect the lives and property of Tonawanda residents and visitors to our great city. Through multiple disciplines we shall mitigate any hazard rapidly with an emphasis on life safety and property conservation.
