History of Harlem-Roscoe Fire

In the Village of Roscoe there is evidence of a fire brigade as early as 1912, possibly consisting of a few buckets and a ladder put into service by anyone on the scene. By the 1930’s some local residents banded together, converting a hay wagon into a water pumper. This was accomplished by installing a tank, Mercury motor, and a pump on the wagon with the hose and leather straps on the tongue. The leather straps would attach the fire wagon to the first arriving automobile, so it could be pulled to the scene. This first fire vehicle was probably kept in a fireman’s garage.

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District was incorporated on April 4, 1940. This brought about by the need to purchase a good piece of fire apparatus. Harlem Township residents joined Roscoe Township residents to make this possible, creating the name “Harlem-Roscoe”, providing fire protection for both communities and raising enough money for a real fire truck. Harlem-Roscoe Fire’s first fire station was purchased around 1945, with an addition built in 1959.

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chiefs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on each name above to see more on each Chief. . .