BRODHEAD - By 1884 Brodhead residents realized they needed a fire department.
Originally, residents relied on bucket brigades to fight fires. Buckets had to be available in businesses and homes in case of fire.
A "fire engineer" was appointed to act as fire chief in 1870.
The village's hook and ladder, purchased in 1872, was pulled by hand. As the village began to grow there was a need to replace the old fire fighting practice with a volunteer department.
Brodhead's fire department was officially organized in 1884.
There were 50 men who joined the department. A steam engine, a hose cart and 1,000 feet of hose was purchased for the department.
Over the years the original fire department was replaced with other buildings that were needed as smaller fire engines were replaced with tankers. The fire department has eight vehicles in its fleet.
There are 26 active members in the department, Fire Chief Jay Bohan said. The department averages between 140 and 160 calls a year.
Bohan is the first full-time chief hired by the city. He took over his duties in July 2008.
"There was a lot for one person to do and the city saw a need for a full-time chief," he said.
Bohan was able to rely on his assistant chiefs, Wayne Gibson and Chris Searles, who have been with the department for many years.
"It was good to have people with a lot of experience to help me," he said.
Gibson has been with the department since 1970. Only two other members have been with the fire department longer than Gibson.
Lewis Schliem has been a volunteer firefighter since 1967 and Bob Olsen has been with the department since 1968.
The fire department will host an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday to celebrate it's anniversary.
Fire equipment will be displayed and people can ride the aerial platform up to 100 feet.
Originally, residents relied on bucket brigades to fight fires. Buckets had to be available in businesses and homes in case of fire.
A "fire engineer" was appointed to act as fire chief in 1870.
The village's hook and ladder, purchased in 1872, was pulled by hand. As the village began to grow there was a need to replace the old fire fighting practice with a volunteer department.
Brodhead's fire department was officially organized in 1884.
There were 50 men who joined the department. A steam engine, a hose cart and 1,000 feet of hose was purchased for the department.
Over the years the original fire department was replaced with other buildings that were needed as smaller fire engines were replaced with tankers. The fire department has eight vehicles in its fleet.
There are 26 active members in the department, Fire Chief Jay Bohan said. The department averages between 140 and 160 calls a year.
Bohan is the first full-time chief hired by the city. He took over his duties in July 2008.
"There was a lot for one person to do and the city saw a need for a full-time chief," he said.
Bohan was able to rely on his assistant chiefs, Wayne Gibson and Chris Searles, who have been with the department for many years.
"It was good to have people with a lot of experience to help me," he said.
Gibson has been with the department since 1970. Only two other members have been with the fire department longer than Gibson.
Lewis Schliem has been a volunteer firefighter since 1967 and Bob Olsen has been with the department since 1968.
The fire department will host an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday to celebrate it's anniversary.
Fire equipment will be displayed and people can ride the aerial platform up to 100 feet.