History of the Frontenac Volunteer Fire Department

Then

Due to the unstable conditions present in area mines, the early fire department of Frontenac was quite large. It was composed of thirty-six firemen and three stations. Twelve men were appointed to each station. At the time, hose carts were kept at each location. Station number one was downtown, at city hall, where the fire bell was maintained. Station two was in the west side of the city, and station three was on the north side across the Santa Fe railroad tracks.

Firemen were alerted to emergencies by the ringing of a fire bell. When an alarm was sounded, a number of fast rings were heard followed by extra strokes of the bell. The extra strokes signified what part of the city in which the emergency was located.

At the time each fireman was paid one dollar for every call in which water was used.

Now

The Frontenac Fire Department serves a district of nearly 6 square miles and over 3000 residents with one station, a team of around 20 volunteers, and one full-time fire chief. Department members are notified of calls by a radio paging system. Firefighters receive fifteen dollars per call, regardless of the amount of time spent on the scene. The money earned by firefighters, however, goes into a department fund firefighters can use to purchase equipment.

In today's world firefighters use a combination of new and old technology to get the job done. Crews wear the latest in personal protective gear, including PBI turnout gear and Scott Air Pack systems. In contrast firefighters also use axes, pike poles, and nozzles, who's design has remained the same through the decades. The department relies on four fire engines, a van to transport extra equipment and fill air bottles, and a rescue boat. Our equipment helps us to provide the city of Frontenac the protection and service that it has come to rely on in years past and will continue to rely on in years to come.