The Marion Fire Department came into being in the spring of 1874. The great Chicago fire of 1871 and Marion’s own devastating fire in 1872 led many city leaders to the conclusion that an organized system of fire protection was needed. For $1800, Marion officials were able to procure two modern pieces of firefighting equipment, a Babcock chemical fire engine and a Hook and Ladder truck. Both of these carts were hand drawn, as horses weren’t readily affordable.

Two separate companies were given charge of each apparatus. Over the years several different and opposing teams were reorganized with names changing to titles such as “Phoenix Engine Company”, “Samual Saylor Company”, “B. F. Mentzer Company”, “D.C. Davis Hook and Ladder Company”, “George B. Owen Hose Company”, and “Fullerton Hose Company”. It may be noted that the various brigades were often named after prominent community leaders or “sponsors” of the company in question. The various teams would often find themselves racing each other to a fire. At stake, the honor of raising the traditional broom high above the victorious hose cart upon its return.

Marion’s fire protection consisted of these separate volunteer companies for nearly fifty years. The companies would compete in state and national “Firemen’s Tournaments”. The competitions focused drill teams, parading, colorful uniforms, and firefighting evolutions (i.e. stretching hose and making couplings). Of the teams that competed, the pride of Marion was definitely the Mentzer Hose Company. Their rise to national prominence is well documented in local turn-of-the-century newspapers.

Early in 1921, city leaders decided it best to have a city run fire department. This was to coincide with the delivery of Marion’s first self-propelled fire apparatus. Marion paid nearly $10,000 for the four-cylinder American LaFrance. It had a 300gpm pump capacity and 1200 feet of hose. The truck was originally housed in the auto garage to west of the building (left). On June 9th the George P. Whitney hose house was moved one lot west and became the permanent headquarters. This building remained so until 1964. Elmer E. King was appointed the first fire chief of Marion at a salary of $1200 a year. Also hired was “night driver” Tom Barkwell at a salary of $25 a month. The reorganization was announced as complete in September of 1921. The Marion Fire Department became the paid/volunteer organization that it is today. The paid staff maintained the trucks and paperwork and relied on a staff of nearly thirty volunteers when a fire occurred.

Marion had a tumultuous first few years of existence as 1922 went down as one of the most fire destructive years in Marion history. Frozen hydrants, water supply problems, and lack of training led to much scrutiny of Marion’s first “professional” fire organization.

Gradually, the criticism eased. Marion citizens and their fire department grew together as the city grew. The fire department continued in this respect for the next forty years. As the years went by, an assistant chief was added to the payroll. Promotions were always made from within the organization. The chiefs enjoyed long tenures and moved the department through the twentieth century.

The 1960’s saw a few more paid men added to the payroll and the building of a new fire station. At least one career firefighter, often two or three, would stay in the station every night. In August of 1964, after several rounds to the ballot box, Marion residents approved a bond issue to build the badly needed new station at 600 8th Ave. They moved in April of 1965. This building has been remodeled and still serves Marion’s west side (Station #1).

In the seventies, Marion firefighters joined the International Association of Professional Fire Fighters and local #1937 was born. The Fire Department also created a Fire Prevention Bureau. The Bureau is charged with the responsibility of inspecting and educating Marion businesses and citizens on every aspect of fire safety and prevention. The Fire Prevention Bureau receives much of the credit for Marion’s dwindling fire numbers. Also in the seventies, Marion firefighters were trained as Emergency Medical Technicians and began to respond to medical emergencies.

The eighties saw the addition of Marion’s first female fire fighter. Marion saw the addition of a more advanced level of paramedic emergency services in the early part of the 1980’s.

Since 1990 the Marion Fire Department has grown tremendously. In December of 1991 we moved into our new headquarters (Station #2) at 3933 Katz Drive. Station #2 only required one vote at the ballot box. The bond issue garnered an overwhelming majority of the vote. Marion firefighters perceived this as a favorable public impression of their services to the City of Marion and a sign of the improved relationship they had with the citizens they serve.

Into the new millennium, the Marion Fire Department hopes to cultivate its relationship with the citizens even further. Training and safety are a priority in today’s complex and changing fire service. Medical calls are now responsible for the great majority of the Fire Department’s business. We now boast a membership of over fifty firefighters. They are men and women, volunteer and career personnel. Diversity is the signature of today’s Marion Fire Department.