IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 911
In May 1925, twenty young men formed the Munster Volunteer Fire Department and elected Leonard Blink as Fire Chief. The population of the Town of Munster was approximately 800. Equipment consisted of a wooden hose cart with three hundred feet of hose, pulled by a member Model-T Ford. Grass fires were frequent, but Munster's first major fire was a home at the corner of Forest and Adelaide. Unfortunately, the home was not able to be saved.
The Department communicated through the use of a telephone tree. The operator would call the Chief in the event of a fire. The Chief, or his wife, would in turn call three firemen, and they, or their wives, would call three more firemen until all were notified. The Town's first fire engine, a pumper on a Dodge chassis, was purchased two years later for $3,555.00. The year 1929 brought another change to the Department, as the members were paid $1.00 per hour while on duty at a fire.
Today, the Munster Fire Department operates out of three fire stations with five fire engines and one tower ladder. The Department also has a 1948 fire engine, Polaris off-road vehicle, fire safety trailer, rescue trailer, and a rescue boat. The current membership is 50 personnel and the Munster Fire Department responds to nearly 800 calls for service annually.
As you can see, the Munster Fire Department has grown from their humble beginnings to a modern and efficient fire fighting force that is proud to protect the Town of Munster and its surrounding communities. Whether it be protecting life and property, educating the children of our community or answering an emergency call, the Munster Fire Department stands ready, rich in heritage, and truly dedicated to service.
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