Hidden History of Plano by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: History, United States, State & Local, General
ISBN: 9781467142946
Google: rdvNDwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Published: 2020-03-16T03:33:38+00:00

ABOUT PLANO’S FIRE DEPARTMENT

Today, Plano Fire-Rescue is the tenth-largest fire department in the state of Texas, providing fire protection and emergency medical services to the city’s more than 286,000 residents. This proud organization traces its beginnings to 1887.

Plano’s Eclipse Fire Company, the city’s first fire department, was organized as a bucket brigade led by Chief J.A. Moreman and fought many fires in Plano. To supply water for the bucket brigades, a dedicated well was dug at the intersection of Main and Mechanic Streets (now K Avenue and 15th).

City council soon realized the city needed more equipment and ordered a chemical engine in 1893 and, the following year, built a city hall with a calaboose (jail) and place for the fire apparatus.

In March 1894, the city council elected six men for the Plano Fire Department: A.G. Stopple, R.C. Hays, Clint Mathews, John Morgan, Stewart Kendrick and John Gates as chief. In 1897, an alarm bell was installed atop city hall to alert the “Fire Boys” when a fire broke out. Over the years, city council reorganized the fire department several times, and by 1904, the city council had hired Murry “Dag” Hudson to serve as Plano’s first professional firefighter.

In 1915, the fire department modernized from horse-drawn vehicles to motorized equipment. A Thomas Flyer automobile was converted by the firemen, with help from local mechanics, at a cost of $350. By 1917, a second Thomas Flyer was converted into a combination hose and ladder with a chemical tank, ending the era of the horse-drawn fire engines. The first pumper was named “Big Tom” and served from 1915 to 1929. The next pumper, by Peter-Pirsch & Sons, was purchased for $7,500. By 1930, the fire department had increased to twenty-one members.

Over the years, the fire department hosted many fundraisers to help pay for equipment, uniforms and other supplies. These events included plays, suppers and even a circus. The City of Plano purchased several different fire trucks as needed, and in 1961, the Lone Star Boat Company even donated a boat for water rescues.

The fire department continued to add men and equipment to keep up with the growth of Plano. In 1963, the department had four paid firemen and twenty-two volunteer firemen. In 1949, the City of Plano had 55 fire plugs; by 1963, 188 plugs were in place. The Central Fire Station was built and dedicated in 1966, replacing the two-story brick building that had served as the first station since 1923.

Editor’s note: Librarians hope to discover more great stories from the Plano Fire Department as they continue the transcription of the department’s meeting minutes. More photographs and documents will be added on an ongoing basis. Check the Collin County Images, Plano Fire Department Collection, at glhtadigital.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/pl5915coll21 for more “hidden history” of Plano’s great fire department. Or visit the Genealogy Center at the Haggard Library in Plano to learn more.

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