Published by permission from the historical society.

Transcribed by Mrs. McElroys' MMS class.

Mulvane has always had volunteers ready to help anytime fire has threatened, but as recorded history little has been compiled before 1897. We do know that the city had a two-wheeled hose cart with a hand pump, and a hook and ladder wagon then. The following facts have been taken from the Mulvane minute books.

The city purchased six 5-gallon fire extinguishers, March 4, 1897, and appointed six men to handle the same. A fire truck was discussed in 1899 and J. L. Nessly was to investigate the cost, etc. The purchase was not made. In July, 1905 people began to ask for better fire protection. "Twelve patrol fire extinguishers" were ordered. On Nov. 3, 1905 a fire marshal was asked to pick firemen and procure necessary ladders and other equipment. They received a fire truck, and American La France fire truck, at $ 700.00 in December, 1905. Warrants were issued, $100.00 paid in February, 1906; $200.00 was paid yearly plus interest until paid off.

In January, 1906 the Dickenson building was purchased for $1,500.00 to house the fire engine and equipment. This was paid at $300.00 per year for five years.

In 1921 it was voted to pay each fireman $1.00 per run, but if he was absent without reasonable excuse he was fined $1.00

In 1924 an ordinance was passed giving fire trucks the right-of-way, and protection of fire hose. In 1932 the firemen offered to make their run for $0.50 but the council voted to continue the $1.00 payment.

A Boxer Fire Apparatus, International Track, 350 6pm, was purchased for $5,115.50.

Two rubber coats were bought in 1940, but in 1942 World War II called for complete revamping of equipment, the number of firemen and their rules. The regular number was increased and a large auxiliary force appointed. A Minnesota Fire Co. Fire Truck Ford, 550 6pm, was bought in 1953 at the cost of $12,500.00. The new truck was to be pooled with Sedgwick County to control. The fee for firemen was increased to $4.00 per run but this later was reduced to $2.00 per run and $2.00 per meeting.

The 1953 truck did not meet the new requirements so a new one was purchased in 1974. It was an American Fire Equipment Co. Ford, 750 6pm, purchased at $36,327.00.

The following is a list of the fire chiefs of the Mulvane Fire Department: Geo. Howard, 1905-21; F. W. Dickerson, 1922; Geo. Howard, 1923; Frank Reynolds, 1924-26; James N. Reed 1927-40; Glenn H. Mills, 1941-1953; Harold Crum, 1953-62; Ray Ramsey, 1962; John Kimble, 1962-65; Loren McCune, 1965-72; Karl Hartman, 1972-74; Victor J. Harreld, 1974-now.

Volunteers for 1922-1930: Geo. Howard, J. N. Reed, J. L. Nessly, F. W. Dickerson, Alex Burgess, Walter Farber, O. G. Seaman, H. O. Myers, Chas. Canady, V. L. Gorden, Chas. McBee, Ed Albright, C. Parkhurst, D. A. Smith, A. Huff, Ray Chamberlain, Guy Radford, Chas. Howard, W. A. Dye, Lawrence Thompson, Milo Alley, Warren Farney, E. Nixon, M. Joves, Robert Tineus, Cleo Logan, Glenn Mills, Ed. Kimble, C. N. Aiken, Will Carrothers, Robert Whitney, W. C. Roberson, Swinson, Shaw Jenkins, Frank McWilliams, Chas. Shearhart, Tom Myers, W. Lawless, Ralph Lindsey, Dr. R. Bruncher, Frank Deringer, A. D. Loper, W. M. Higby, Henry Logan, W. W. Hatfield, Curly Jenkins, W. Limty, Hal Fulk, W. Lentz, C. H. Carter, Chas, Wilson.

Volunteers for 1942: Carl B. Kimble, Sid Ferguson, P. L. Love, J. T. Johnson, Emerson Cain, C. G. Holland, Tom Corinthwaite, Elbert Oliver, Harry McCurdy, C. W. English, Will Carrothers, J. W. Stewart, David Bratley, Charles Hatter.

Volunteers for 1955-1975: Galen Crum, M, Luckner, H. Crum, Geo. Larson, W. C. Warner, N. Carney, W. L. Burke, D. Mckee, J. Kimble, R. Long, R. Coleman, K. Turner, R. Hagg, H. Swan, J. N. Reed, Jr., W. H. Hughes, E. Lawarance, J. Barr, O. Butterfield, G. Kaufman, Vic Harreld, K. Hartman, V. Merritt, R. Wagner, L. Ayers, J. Humbolt, R. Ramsey, H. Kincaid, G. Murphy, M. Roberts, J. Bradberry, R. Westfall, L. McCune, J. V. James, C. Wayman, D. Helms, B. Jackson, J. Akins, B. McCrea, R. Ketning, G. Wayman, M. Krause, F. Ingalls, J. Purvines, J. Schroder, G. Snook, H. Brandley, R. Howell, F. Hatfield, K. Smith, C. Ferguson, K. Kincaid, R. Steinwick, L. Iverson, V. Wheeler, W. Sorenson, Frank Carson, C. O. Rennick. E. E. Stephens, G Kimble, A. D. Gebhart, Don McLeod, V. Wentworth, F. Riley, R. Davis, W. W. Hatfield, W. R. Roberson, H. Nicholson, M. McKee, Sims, C. Butts, R. Hodge, R. Brown, M. Canon, K. Krause, F. Orley, R. L. Meyers, W. Parker, F. Bowlby, H. Nicholson, T. Redinger, F. Wesdom, D. Lighty , Jess Murry, D. Kimble, R. Young, C. Shepard, M. McKee, Stoll.