History

In 1916, property owners petitioned the Village Board for fire protection. A chemical fire wagon was purchased from Obenchain Boyer & Co. for $550. The wagon was stored in the Heinz building, which was being rented from Wm. Holl for $2 month. This fire wagon currently stands along U.S Route 45 in the Village park.

Concerned citizens formed a fire district in 1955. Original Trustees were: Pete Mayer, R. S. Hart, and Walt Weasel. A new fire house was constructed at the cost of $15,000 and a 1955 GMC firetruck was purchased. This truck was built by Central Fire Equipment Co. and had a 500 gallon per minute pump. The purchase price of this truck was approximately $15,000. In December of that same year, the first meeting of the volunteer firemen was held with twenty five members in attendance. Chuck Crain was appointed Chief and Ray Kleiss as Assistant Chief.

In 1960, a second GMC firetruck was purchased. This truck carried 1,000 gallons of water and had a 500 gallon per minute pump. Purchase price was $22,000.

October of 1965, Milton Bates was made Chief and Ray Henderson was Assistant Chief.

A 24 x 44 foot addition was built onto the back of the fire house in 1972. This space was intended for both a recreation room, and additional truck bay. The work was accomplished by members of the fire department at no cost to the taxpayers. A 1972 International chassis fire engine was purchased. This engine carried 1,000 gallons with a 750 gallon per minute pump, and was built by Towers Fire Apparatus for $24,120.

In 1975 PFD marked it's first twenty years of existence, the department averaged 15 fire calls annually. The district consisted of: Three Trustees - Linus Hettinger, Pete Mayer, John Hausman; Secretary - Earl Hillard; Chief - Milt Bates; Assistant Chief - Larry Adams; twenty five firemen; and five auxiliary firemen.

Calvin Woodworth assumed the role of Chief in June of 1977. Through pride, duty, and honor he served this post for almost 30 years.

May 2007, Steve Schaefer (who had been an active member since 1983) accepted the position of Chief. Chief Schaefer served our community in this capacity until November of 2013.

Pesotum Fire Department currently has three vehicles, and has responded to over 100 service calls per calendar year. Rescue #1675 is a 1995 Ford E-350 Ambulance that was converted into an equipment truck. Engine #1652 is a 1994 Alexis 4900 two person cab DT466 chassis. The engine carries 1000 gallons and has a front mount 1250gpm pump. Our front line engine is #1651, a 2003 International 4400 Series five-person cab. The firebox was outfitted by Smeal Fire Apparatus Co. This engine carries 1200 gallons of water and has a mid-ship mounted 1250 gallon per minute pump.

Throughout the almost 100 year history, many volunteers have given their time as firefighters. The current membership is grateful of those efforts, and hope to continue that tradition.

* History of the Fire Department from inception until 1976 was recorded by the Pesotum Bicentennial Committee. June 1976