A special election was held October 28, 1925, which in addition to improving pumping facilities and providing a second emergency pumping well, authorized the purchase of a "fire fighting machine to pump directly into the mains if necessary." A triple combination pumper and double tank chemical engine mounted on a Graham Bros. chassis was purchased from the Boyer Fire Apparatus Co. of Logansport, Indiana for $4,950 including taxes. Another election June 18, 1940, authorized a bond issue of $5,500 to purchase additional fire fighting equipment. A new engine was purchased from the Howe Fire Apparatus Co. of Anderson, Indiana for $4,315. It was on an International chassis with 179 inch wheelbase, with a 500 gallon per minute rotary pump. It has a 200 gallon booster tank and aluminum ladders.

The fire company purchased a resuscitator for $400 in 1943 with funds received from personal donations. It was the first department in the county to own such equipment. In order to provide better fire protection for the rural areas, an additional piece of special equipment was added in 1949. This is a 1,000 gallon tank, kept filled with water, and was made by combining a former school bus chassis and tank with proper mounting. Members of the fire company did this work in a local shop. The fire department answers all nearby country fire calls, being paid by insurance or by the farmer personally. The city fire insurance rates have been steadily lowered over the recent years due to the efficiency of the El Paso Volunteer Fire Company, and there has been no complete loss of any residence or business house inside the city limits in the last decade.

Possibly the man with the longest record with the fire department is A. H. Wolk, now retired, who served from 1893 to October 9, 1939, over
 

The last of the horse-drawn fire wagons. In 1913 R. W. Robinson was chief and

Charles M. Baker, driver.
Page 141

Go to previous page

Go to next page

Go to El Paso Story gateway page