In 1859, William E. Smith was appointed the 1st fire warden for the Village of Fox Lake. Smith ordered all residences and businesses to have a ladder and two leather buckets to haul water and sand to aid in fighting fires. This was the beginning. In 1870, the first fire engine was purchased for $250. At a village board meeting dated November 10, 1892 it was suggested that a fire company be organized for the purpose of having trained men to operate the engine. J.C. Davis was appointed to solicit volunteers.
December 1, 1892, a No. 3 Fire Engine, 55 feet of hose and 20 feet of suction hose were purchased for $750 from the Howell Pump and Fire Engine Company of Indianapolis.
On August 14, 1893, a list of 33 volunteer members for the Fox Lake Fire Company was filed with the village clerk.
The Fox Lake Fire Department was reorganized in 1914 with 40 members. Martin Doornek served as chief from 1914 to 1920. Later years found Stan Glish, Henry Ring, M.M. Stenzel, Herbert Rabehl and Jack Betz, in that order, at the helm. Chief Betz retired in December 1981 after putting in 33 years. He was succeeded by Jack Rabehl, son of Herbert Rabehl. Jack Rabehl retired in November 1996 and was succeeded by Darrell Pollesch who was chief until his retirement on December 31, 2000. Bill Frank took over as chief on January 1, 2001 and retired on December 31, 2013. Aaron Paul is the current chief.
Fireman’s Park was purchased at the city limit edge and a community building was torn down and this land is now the site of Fox Lake’s Community Center, City Hall, and Fire Station.
At present, the department has 30 active members.
OFFICERS
Aaron Paul, Chief Contact Chief Paul at: (920) 928-6115
Steve Hopp, Assistant Chief
Captains:
Dean Streich
Dick Lidtke
Dennis Hollnagel
Rich Quirk
EMS Director/Captain Jean Mierow
Lieutenants:
Gene Huettner
Tom Jahnke
Matt Halfmann
Kevin Burk
Training Officer: Steve Hopp
Secretary: Paul Ramirez
Treasurer: Dennis Hollnagel
Safety officer:
Trustees: Dean Streich, Richard Lidtke, Tom Jahnke
