A Kindled Beginning:

Since its founding in 1908, the Fox Lake Fire Department has had a remarkable history in its development. These gradual changes beginning with what was originally a group of volunteers to a fully operational fire department, stands as a significant landmark in Fox Lake’s history.

In the 1880s, the Fox Lake area originally consisted of woods and fields. It was not until the early 1900s, when after the railroads had been built, that many aspiring businesses began to settle into town. Though as businesses were being built close together, they became increasingly more vulnerable to spreading fires. Some of the most famously destroyed buildings include the Nippersink Club and Woodlawn Hotel. However, the fires did not stop there as they went on to claim saloons, barns, and homes. The most destructive fire ever recorded in Fox Lake history was on December 9, 1917. Mrs. Pasdeloup, in an attempt to warm her canned goods during the winter, filled her heater with oil which then overflowed and ignited. Starting from her apartment, the fire went on to consume nearly an entire district of businesses and homes. Much of these extraordinary details can be further found in the 75^th Year History of the Fox Lake Volunteer Fire Department, written by the volunteers themselves.

As the fires continued to rage, the team of volunteers quickly expanded into a fully-fledged fire department in 1972. That year, part-time volunteers trained to become full-time firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMT). Today, the Fox Lake Fire Department has 30 certified firefighters, paramedics, and EMT. Additionally, the department is outfitted with twelve response vehicles equipped to answer any kind of emergency.

Along with the department’s steady progression, is the inspiring history of chiefs who have led it. Some of them include the very first fire chief, Sid Hemingway; Earl Dalziel; Stuart Hoehne; and eventually his son and current chief, Ronald Hoehne. Chief Ron, in particular, has a long and fond attachment to the department. With his father having been in the service, Ron grew up around firemen. He eventually became a part-time firefighter himself and then commissioned full-time in 1977. With over 45 years of service, Ron has seen numerous changes across many fire departments and has a few interesting points to share with the community.