Open House Spring EVENTS
of 2021. The
chance to tour the facility as well as the
fire museum.
Fire Museum come see the history,
memorabilia, and collectibles from the
past 150 years of the Clear Lake Fire
Department. Open on weekends from
Memorial Day through Labor Day – or
call to make an appointment.
9/11 On the 20th anniversary of the
terrorist attacks, expect an extended
event throughout the day. An open
house, food trucks near the Fire Museum
which will be open to the public. A
2-hour program with a special guest
speaker, a battalion chief from NYC
who was at the towers on 9/11. There
will then be a lighted fire department
parade, with trucks from around the area
participating in the cruise through town.
By Rachel Wumkes
In the face of turmoil and destruction, most people would
run the opposite direction. Their ‘flight’ response kicking into
high gear as they evade any type of harm.
For the past 150 years, however, numerous men within the
Clear Lake Fire Department have done just the opposite.
When the call comes in, there is no hesitation, only swift
reactions to ensure they get there in time, doing everything
in their power to put out the fire.
Thus, on the 150th anniversary, let’s take a look back at how
the department has evolved over the years.
Organized out of necessity in 1871, after the incorporation
of the town of Clear Lake, the CLFD came to fruition. On
a cold January night, the Coates Brothers Furniture store
burned to the ground, taking down a nearby building in
the process. Had there been a team of firefighters, it may
have been saved.
Back then, men fought fires with a bucket brigade; standing
in a line as they passed the bucket until the final firefighter
tossed it into the fire. Coupled with long poles used to
push in walls to contain the flames, it was their only line of
defense in those days.
In 1883, however, the fire department purchased a Button
Hand Water Engine, one chain gear hose cart and 300 feet
of hose. With the strategic placement of wells throughout
town (as there was no running water at the time) firefighters
would place the hose into the well, which would then be
pumped by hand up through the box and out the remaining
hose into the fire.
This was also the time of the first fire extinguishers. Unlike
today, these were filled with only water. Firefighters would
use a mixture of baking soda and acid to create the spray
effect, pressurizing the unit. Once used, they would simply
refill and mix a new soda acid combination for the next time
it would be needed.
In the 1920s, with the invention of the automobile, the
hand-pumps evolved into fire engines. This technology
cut the lag time for firefighters arriving to the scene
exponentially, allowing for more of a chance to save
structures from total destruction.
In 1925, CLFD purchased its first Model T pumper, which was
used to battle blazes for the next 50 years. Mounted to
the side of this unit were multiple extinguishers using the
soda-acid mixture.
The department expanded services again in 1989 when 13
members became certified EMTs. As time has evolved, so
have the services needed from the Clear Lake Fire Department.
Equipment and technology have expanded. There are bigger
houses, more complex buildings, and more people to service.
In 1990, they added Hazardous Materials Operations, and
included ice rescue to their list of public services.
However, as the founding fathers drew up the by-laws of the
department, they stated there would be no more than 30
men as members. That number has held true throughout
the years, and even today.
In 2006, the Fire Department grew drastically, once again,
with the addition of 2 ambulances. This resulted in the
Photo Credit Chris Barragy,
Clear Lake Fire Department
hiring of paramedics and more EMTs. This expansion made
it possible for the CLFD to provide 24-hour medical services
and ambulance transport. The new team received training
to provide backup in fighting fires, as did the fireman train to
assist the medical crew.
With this expansion, came the need for more room. At that
time, they were sharing space within the police department
facility, but plans were underway on the development of
their new building. In 2010, construction began on the
current fire station, a majestic structure along N. 8th Street in
the heart of Clear Lake.
While the technology and method for fighting fires has
changed from the line of men on the bucket brigade to what
it is today, the heart of the firemen has not changed over the
years. Their innate duty to serve the community, making
it a better place for generations to come, still rings true in
each and every one of them. Members take pride in being
part of the Clear Lake Fire Department, dedicating their time
selflessly to the betterment of our area.
Clear Lake is a unique place to be a firefighter, too. With
the added feature of having water rescue, even in the
winter months, the proximity to the interstate, abundance
of farmland, the pipeline, and the sheer size of this “small
town” each create their own added obstacles for fireman
who serve and protect.
Regardless, their dedication has stood firm for the past 150
years and will hopefully continue for years to come.
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