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The Delphos Fire
Department was motorized in 1916 by the purchase of
a combination hose and chemical truck from Service Truck
Company of Wabash, Ind. This served well until 1929 when
a Gramm Truck Chassis was purchased from the Gramm Truck
Company, a local enterprise, and was equipped with a 500
gallon per minute Boyer pumper and chemical tanks. Later
the chemical tanks were removed and the truck converted
into a tripe combination, equipped to carry 400 gallons
of water in its booster tank.
In May 1930 the department
was still further modernized with the purchase of a
1000-gallon per minute triple combination Seagrave
pumper, fully equipped. Four full time fire fighters,
two on each shift. One substitute and two part time men
for added night service, and 15 volunteers on call at
all time. Comprised the personnel of the department at
that time, serving under the direction Chief Nick
Hummer. In 1950 the Delphos Fire Department purchased a
1950 Seagrave 2-stage 500 gallon per minute pumper with
a tank capacity of 500 gallons. With the delivery of
this pumper the 1929 Gramm was taken from the first line
of service, however it was kept in condition so if the
time came it would be needed, it would be ready for
service.
In the
summer of 1953 the Delphos Community Fire Protection
Association was formed, by the farmers of Marion,
Washington, and Jennings townships, with the intention
of purchasing a tank truck to be used for transporting
water to rural fires. In early summer 1954 the y
purchased a Dodge chassis with a 1500-gallon tank
installed on it by Gramm Trailer Corp. of Delphos. With
completion of the tank truck it was then donated to the
Delphos Fire Department to be used as needed.
On January 1, 1960 City
Council authorized the First Department manpower to be
increased from 15-20 volunteers fire fighters, and that
their pay be raised to $3.00 for the first hour and
$2.00 per hour after.
In 1962 a 1000-gallon per
minute Seagrave pumper with a tank of 300 gallons was
purchased. With the delivery of this pumper the 1930
Seagrave was taken from active service and placed in
reserve. At that time the 1929 Gramm is now housed at
the First Truck Museum located on the Canal parking lot
on Second Street one block west of the First Station.
In early 1964 the community
Fire Protection Association took into consideration that
the tank truck they purchased in 1954 was now ten years
old and should be replaced. In July of the same year the
1954 Dodge as replaced with a 1964 International chassis
and a new water tank with a capacity of 2000 gallons.
On February 1, 1967 City
Council authorized the manpower of the Delphos Fire
Department be increased to five full time men and one
part time man. The full time department consisted of a
Chief, two Captains, and two fire fighters. With this
the total manpower of the department is now five full
time fire fighters, one part time fire fighter, and two
night fire fighters, with twenty volunteer fire fighters
on call at all time.
In April of 1972, a new
1250-gallon per minute pumper, with a 750 gallon water
tank was purchased. In trying to keep up to date with
every changing of the community, a 1974 International
Chassis along with a 2000-gallon water tank and a
250-gallon per minute pump was purchased. This truck
replaced the 1964 tank truck.
1978 saw the purchase of a
Dodge truck four wheel drive for use as a Mini-Pumper,
with it small 200 gallon water tank and pump, its
primary role was to respond to trash fire, filed fires,
field fires, and use of the portable generator to light
incident scenes at night.
In June of 1981, City
Council showed their continued commitment to the safety
of its residents by increasing the number of full time
fire fighters to six men from five, and making the
chief's position forty hours per week. In the volunteer
fire fighter ranks the number was also increased from
two to twenty-five positions.
In 1982 the purchase of a
Ford Chassis, and custom built pumper equipped with a
1250 gallon per minute pump and 750 gallon water tank,
this truck replaced the 1962 Seagrave pumper which is
kept in reserve and ready for action if pressed into
service.
In 1990 a
heavy rescue unit was put into service, in time of money
shortage the fire department is know for their
thriftiness, take a 1977 ambulance refurbish it, and you
come out with a Heavy Rescue Vehicle. Al the necessary
equipment for many different type incidents are on
board, from extrication tools air bags, and hazardous
material items, it is also used when making mutual aid
responses with surrounding departments. Six SCBA's are
on board for just such responses, this useful vehicle
was made possible by the hand work of the fire fighters,
at a minimal cost to the city.
In 1994 all full time fire
fighters had become certified as EMT-A's allowing a
first responder program to be instituted. The response
time for emergency care was cut in half or better, which
made treatment available sooner as to later. This in
turn helped to cut down on the "On Scene" time, which
means patients, arrive at Hospitals sooner for advanced
treatment. The public once made fully aware of the
program was very receptive to the concept and pleased
with its addition.
In the middle of 1994 a new division of the Department
was formed, the Water Rescue Division. Comprise of
twenty plus member, ten of which are certified SCUBA
divers donate their time to train for any related
emergency, pride and dedication to saving lives is the
driving force of these members. Through many donations,
contributions, and the Delphos Fire Association, an Avon
Inflatable Boat and 25-horse power Mercury motor were
purchased for just such emergencies, again allowing the
safety of operations.
1997 the Fire Department
also seen, the delivery of a new E-One 1500 gallon per
minute pump, with a 1000-gallon water tank. This new
pumper replaced the 1972 Ford which was placed in
reserve roll, and provide the most up to date fire
protection.
In
2002, the City of Delphos took ownership of a 2002 E-One
18' Non-Walk-in Heavy Rescue Unit that will replace the
1977 refurbished ambulance.
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Contact Information |
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Delphos Fire Dept. 125 E. Second St.
Delphos, OH 45833
Ph: (419) 695-2911 |
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