Cedar Rapids Fire Department
Image of Cedar Rapids fire truck by D L Hansen
The Cedar Rapids Fire Department offers firefighting, emergency medical services, and fire prevention to over 120,000 citizens. The fire department has prevention programs, special operations, and hazardous materials teams to meet the growing needs of the community. We strive to make our city a safer place to live, work, and visit.
Fire Emergency: Dial 911
1869
On February 4, 1869 the city of Cedar Rapids began organizing its first volunteer fire department. On March 1, 1869 the city's first Silsby Steamer Engine and 500 fe et of hose arrived at a cost of $6,000.00. By March 11, 1869 the fire department became fully organized with J.J. Snouffer as the foreman.
1871
On November 13, 1871 a Fire Police force was established. It was the responsibility of these men to set up barricades and to rope off areas as firemen preformed their duties. These men also inspected properties for potential fire related problems. This was the forerunner of today’s Fire Prevention Bureau.
1882
In 1882 the Bohemian-American Hose Company was formed. (The original flag is located in the fire museum at Central Fire Station.) The firehouse was located in the rear of the C.S.P.S. Hall at 11th Avenue & 3rd Street SE.
1890
The 1890s brought one of the first self contained breathing apparatuses into the fire service. The helmet and fire masks were on one unit with the air tank strapped to the rear of the helmet. The eye glass portion of the helmet had wiper blades on the inside of the helmet to remove the condensation. The control mechanism was in the center of each eye lens. The lower center of the helmet has a horn, which could be operated by the person wearing the helmet. Squeezing the rubber ball on the end of the horn forced air through it, making it sound.
The first paid Fire Chief was L.M. Ayers, who served from 1893 to 1897. The fire equipment of that day was 9 two-wheeled carts, 1 four-wheeled cart, 2 large hook and ladder trucks, and 1 supply wagon (ready to roll at any time).
1908
The city of Cedar Rapids purchased the property at 519 E Avenue NW in July 1908. This was the first permanent fire structure that the city owned. The property was to be known as Hose Company #2. It began using horse drawn steamers, and was later modified for the fire engines of today. It remained in operation until 1985. The city still owns this property today.
1919
On May 22, 1919, the Douglas Starch Works exploded, taking 43 lives and caused a $2 1/2 million loss. The disaster was twice as bad as the American Cereal Mill fire of 1905. The explosion occurred at about 6:30 p.m. There were 109 men in the plant at the time of the explosion.
The pillar of dust and flames shot skyward about 5000 feet and the explosion was felt 30 miles away. Doors were blown open and windows shattered at the Cedar Rapids Country Club three and one-half miles away. Fire trucks were everywhere. A crowd had gathered and firemen told them if they really wanted to help they should go to their homes and bring back anything that could be used as a stretcher, such as old boards or the front door from their homes. The victims were carried to the building across the street from the plant where the Red Cross had set up an emergency Hospital. Also, treated there were men, woman and children who lived nearby. Two firemen were hospitalized; Fireman C. Craft was injured by a brick hurled by a blast from one of the minor explosions and Fireman H. Hall was overcome by smoke inhalation. Of the 43 men who lost their lives, 10 bodies were never found, 10 bodies were partially found and buried in a common grave in Linwood Cemetery. There is a monument inscribed "Erected In Memory of Employees of Douglas Company Who Lost Their Lives - May 22, 1919" at the burial site.
1964
One of the biggest and most costly fires in the history of the city occurred on May 22, 1964. The fire burned out of control at the Tip Top Distributing Company, 1211 Ninth Street SW. The alarm was sounded at 1:45 p.m. The first to arrive was Chief Hunter who happened to be driving in the area at the time. The entire building was doomed by the time that the department was alerted. The men had no chance to save the building. Chief Hunter termed the blaze under control at 2:45 p.m., an hour after it had been discovered. The chief called in 90 percent of the 130 man force. At times, nine trucks were pumping water at the scene. The new snorkel proved itself very helpful. Some old pumper trucks that had long been removed from active duty were brought to the scene of the fire. Keeping the pumping operation going was expensive. Six hundred and fifty gallons of gasoline were used just to keep the pumps going. An oil company placed a transport rig in the area, and the pumps guzzled through the night. Once started, the blaze consumed the large warehouse building with startling speed. No firemen were actually sent into the Tip Top building. "I didn't dare send any of the men into the inferno," said Hunter. Nearby buildings had to be soaked down with water to keep the burning debris from setting them on fire. The fire swept heavy black smoke over the city. The bits of burned embers that were carried aloft came as far as the roof of City Hall some distance away and clear over to the Public Library Building. During the height of the fire, area residents used lawn hoses to wet their lawns and houses. Fire crews worked into the night to contain the hot spots. The building had no sprinkler system. The loss was estimated at $3 million. Chief Hunter believed that the loss could have been limited to about $100 if a sprinkler system had been in the building.
1992
Speaking Trumpet Returns In a September 9, 1992 ceremony at the Central Fire Station, a 107-year old Fire Department speaking trumpet, belonging to Alois (Louis) Horsky, a foreman on the old Cedar Rapids Volunteer Fire Department, was returned to be displayed in the trophy case at the Central Fire Station. Old annual reports listed L. Horsky on the fire department as late as 1894, holding the title of Foreman at the First Ward Hose Company (which was located at Fifth Street, between B and C Avenues NE). An inscription on the side of the trumpet reads: 1 St Ward Hose Company Cedar Rapids Fire Department Christmas 1885 An etching on the opposite side of the trumpet also shows a steam fire pumping engine.
The presentation was made by two of Horsky's grandchildren, Dorothy Michalek and Doris Andersen, and by a cousin, Paul Gourley. The trumpet was given to Mrs. Michalek by an aunt.
Today
History continues to be written in the advancement of fire services. The Cedar Rapids Fire Department Museum is located at the Central Fire Station (222 Third Street NW, Cedar Rapids, IA). The museum contains a large Fire Mark collection donated by Bill Whipple of Cedar Rapids. Numerous badges, helmets, tools, and photographs are also on display. The museum is open 8 AM - 4:30 PM Monday through Friday and is free to the public.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department is to mitigate threats to the health and
property of our community through emergency response, quality education and prevention
programs.
Vision Statement
Working together to make Cedar Rapids a safer community
Values
Respect: Through demonstration by recognizing honesty, fairness, loyalty, and dignity of others.
Leadership: Leadership is everyone’s responsibility.
Teamwork: A cooperative effort through communication and vision to achieve our common goal.
Service: An excellent, specialized, and progressive benefit.
Information gathered from Cedar Rapids Fire Department website.