Timeline

Time Line taken from 12/23/99 Daily Tribune Article and Other Sources

1908 The Royal Oak Fire Department, comprised entirely of volunteers, is organized, at the home of undertaker William Sullivan.

1912 A fire on Main Street destroys the block between Third and Fourth Streets.

1917 George Kerry's barn on Crooks Road catches fire and burns to the ground. The loss is valued at $400.

1917 Two policemen are appointed to make regular rounds because of a string of robberies. They are also to watch for fires and keep men and boys from blocking sidewalks and making rude remarks to women and girls.

1922 The Gamewell fire alarm system is installed throughout the city.

1924 A permanent trained, paid fire department is established, Martin Bishop is named Chief.

1927 Northwood Fire station #2 opens at the comer of Crooks and Webster.

1935 Royal Oak Fire Fighters join the International Association of Fire Fighters (I.A.F.F.) and the Michigan State Fire Fighters Association (M.S.F.F.A.).

1935 Station #1 being remodeled, Fire Department works out of the Farmers Market.

1952 Headquarters station moved from Sixth and Main to new station at Sixth and Troy.

1953 Royal Oak adds two new fire stations. Station #3 is at the corner of Rochester Road and 13 Mile Road; Station #4 is at the corner of Woodward and 13 Mile Road.

1962 100' Ladder truck put into service, 12 men added.

1963 The old Stauch farm house, facing 12 Mile Road on the present site of the Red Run Golf Course is burned down as a practice exercise for the Fire Department.

1967 Royal Oak assisted Detroit Fire Department during riots, National Guardsmen help man trucks.

1980 Mason Chrysler-Plymouth burns

1980 Royal Oak closes fire station #2 and eliminates 18 positions.

1983 Two large fires in 400 block of S. Washington.

1988 Riggers fire, L9-12 damaged.

1989 Gamewell system discontinued and removed.

1994 Advanced Life Support incorporated into Fire Deparment services.

2001 135’ Bronto articulating aerial truck purchased for $966,296.00

Last Updated on 1/30/03
By ROFD