History |
| In
December of 1872, the Big ditch Company was organized to
build a ditch from Rock Canyon to the Arkansas River. At
this time the townspeople managed to raise $10,000 for
the project. The ditch was subject to frequent cave-ins
and when water finally ran in the ditch, it flooded
neighborhood basements. It contributed nothing towards
firefighting. During the next year, the J.H. Warner Hook and Ladder Company was formed. The fire warden issued this notice in the November 21, 1873 edition of the Colorado Chieftain:
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| Ironically, in the two
weeks following the notice, two major fires struck
Pueblo. The first happened on November 29, 1873 at the
California Stables, which was located at 3rd and Main St.
Damage was estimated at $5,000. The second fire occured
on December 3rd, 1873 at Dunlap's Dance Hall and the
Phoenix Saloon, located at 3rd and Sante Fe. Damage was
reported at $12,000. After these fires, The Chieftain again emphasized the need for a water system. Showing that sarcasm was alive and well in the 1870's, The Chieftain suggested that in the event of a fire, property owners should throw four buckets of water on the fire, which should empty the barrel, toss your valubles out the second story window, followed by the children. Then head to the hills, where you can sit calmly and watch your property burn. |
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The Pueblo Volunteer Fire Association In 1879, a total of 22 members started the Pueblo Volunteer Fire Association. Every April, the association would elect a new chief and assistant chief. By 1888, the membership had grown to over 200 members. |
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Pueblo's First Professionals The consolidation of Pueblo and North Pueblo in 1886 combined the two cities volunteer departments, though a mutual aid agreement was in effect between the four cities (Pueblo, South Pueblo, North Pueblo and Bessemer). In the elections of April 1889, Pueblo voters approved the creation of the Pueblo Fire Department.
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Things have changed... In 1901 there were 20 Fire Department Regulations in accordance with Chief P.B. Bradford. Some examples of these regulations are: #17. At 6am, 12 noon, and 6pm, all members will report promptly to apparatus floor, horses will be hitched to apparatus, and drivers and tillermen mount to their places. #19. Members shall have 24 hours off duty each week, commencing at noon. #20. One-half hour will be the time allowed for members three times daily for obtaining meals. Today there are over 900 different rules and sub-rules in our book of Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.P.'s) which was formerly known as the Fire Department Regulations. This same book of Standard Operating Procedures covers most situations that can occur on the fireground, EMS situations, and in the fire stations. The S.O.P. book is around 3 inches thick. |
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If you are interested in purchasing a Pueblo FD History Book, |
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send $45 + $5 S&H to: |
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Pueblo FD History Book |
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2117 E. Evans |
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Pueblo, CO 81004 |