The Waukegan Fire Department shared their rich history with us for the website. Here is the first part of their story: The History of Waukegan Fire 1849 – The first Hook and Ladder Company was formed in Little Fort, which would later become Waukegan. On February 12, 1849, the village was officially established by the General Assembly. Just a month later, on March 31, 1849, the citizens voted to rename the settlement "Waukegan." That same day, the first village board was elected, with D.O. Dickenson as its first president. 1850 – A committee was appointed to assess the cost of purchasing a fire engine and to find a suitable building to house the Hook and Ladder Company, protecting it from the elements. 1852 – The village board authorized the purchase of a fire engine from Chicago and ordered 300 feet of hose from Charles E. Peck of the city. 1853 – After testing, the new fire engine was found ineffective in emergencies, and the Fire Company recommended abandoning it. The village board then instructed an attorney to inform the City of Chicago of its failure. 1854 – Waukegan purchased a new fire engine from L. Button & Co. of Waterford for $825. It was a 32-man power machine. The village also paid for freight and rented a building for the engine house. 1855 – A lot was bought for a firehouse, and the old fire engine was sent back to Chicago. A new firehouse was constructed, and the department began to take shape as a more organized unit. 1859 – A city ordinance required male residents between 21 and 50 to provide three days of public labor or pay 75 cents per day, except for fire department volunteers. 1860 – An ordinance was proposed to restrict wooden buildings within certain limits to reduce fire risks. Over time, the city emphasized brick construction with fire walls in the downtown area to prevent fires from spreading. 1870 – The Fire Department requested heating for the engine house after freezing conditions made equipment unusable. 1874 – A Selsby Steam Fire Engine and hose cart were purchased. There was some debate over where to build the new engine house, but eventually, the necessary equipment was approved and installed. 1875 – Discussions about water supply and fire hydrants began, including plans for a tank to store water for firefighting purposes. 1876 – Uniforms were purchased for the fire department, and a water main was laid to improve access to water for firefighting in the Southside. 1880 – A telephone was installed to connect the engine house with the City Engineer’s residence, improving communication during emergencies. 1882 – A cistern was built in the basement of the engine house to store water for the steam fire engine. 1884 – A bill was held for making water records until a map of the water mains could be created. Water licenses were issued, and the city marshal was tasked with collecting payments. 1888 – A tax levy was approved, with $3,000 allocated for fire and water services. 1889 – Central School was destroyed by fire, prompting temporary arrangements for students to use church basements. 1891 – P.W. Cunningham resigned as chief, and George D. Wardil was appointed. New equipment and personnel were needed to modernize the department. A request was made for a chemical engine and additional firefighters. 1891 – A special building permit was granted for a frame structure with fireproof materials, following new city regulations. 1892 – Plans were drawn for a new water plant to draw directly from Lake Michigan, improving the city's water supply. 1893 – A power house was built for the water works, and pumps capable of moving 2 million gallons each were approved. A house was partially demolished during a fire to prevent further damage. 1894 – An ordinance was passed to regulate the city’s water works systems. 1912 – The Central Fire Station underwent renovations, reflecting the growing need for better facilities. 1918 – The Manufacturers Terminal fire led to increased demands for improved fire protection systems from the U.S. government. Sticker,Customized Sticker Roll,Barcode Printing Sticker,Waterproof Uv Transfer Sticker Shanghai Huike New Material Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.shhuike.com