Celebrating 75 Years of Service!

The Pekin Fire company was organized in October of 1932 by one William Strassburg, along with several men of the community of Pekin. The Charter for the Western New York Volunteer Firemen's Association was dated April 13, 1933. 32 charter members began what has turned out to be 75 great years of history for our company.

The first president was Mr. Strassburg and the first fire chief was Fred Wethey. The fire company grounds were always on Upper Mountain Road where our beautiful building is today. At that time, it was owned by Mr. Strassburg. The first chemical truck was purchased and housed there in a barn. The first field day was also held there on September 2nd, 1933. Tickets were a few cents.

From that time in the early 30's to the present, the fire company has made strides to serve the community well and do it efficiently and safely.

The fire station or "hall" has gone through many changes as well. From the old house that stood until 1985, a two bay hall, a 4 bay and then 6 bay in 1973.

The company has worked very hard to maintain its significance in the community. An extension project is under construction and is a beautiful addition to our company.

Not only has the hall gone through changes but the people that occupied its walls and worked thankless hours, have come and gone over 75 years.

The Pekin Fire Co. Ladies auxiliary, that was formed in 1954 is still supporting the fire company in everything we do and we greatly appreciate all their hard work.

The company salutes and thanks all of the men and woman who are a part or were a part of this organization, and worked hard to make it what it is today.  Your efforts have not been in vain.

Over the years apparatus has changed, too. From our first chemical truck in the mid '30's, to our most current engine, our Sutphen 1000 gallon engine with a 360 degree pump panel and state of the art F500 foam/suppression system.

The company was a trailblazer of sorts in its apparatus. In 1936, we were one of the first in the county to have a tank truck for water.

Our 1944 Dodge/Cayasler is still going strong and was one of the first post war civil defense fire engines to roll off the line.

Our 1969 Young/Ford C1000 snorkel squirt was very busy for many years not only serving our company, but also doing mutual aid jobs as an elevated master stream for large fires in the late '60's, '70's, '80's and even '90's.  The squirt served us well and is missed.

Our current undertaking of a Sutphen 75' aerial platform is due in the Fall of 2008 and will surely be used well and serve the community proudly.

The Pekin Fire Company has had its share of triumphs and set backs, but it has, on the whole, always rallied around our community and they have always responded to us, as we do for them.

We are proud to serve!

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In Memorium

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Pekin Fire Company

Past Chiefs

Fred Wethy	1933 - 1937	Edward Wendt	1937 - 1940
Edward (Mike) Meyer	1941 - 1968	Edwin Beutel	1969 - 1970
Dave Davis	1971	Edwin Beutel	1972 - 1976
Dave Davis	1977 - 1979	Ronald Kroening	1980 - 1984
Henry Beecher	1985	Douglas Jones	1986 - 1990
Donald Kroening	1991	Gregory Haseley	1992 - 1994
Darwin Haseley	1995 - 1997	Edward Dysard	1998 - 2002
Douglas Etue	2003	Kevin Buetel	2004 -

 

Past Presidents

 

William Strassburg	1933 - 1937	Elmer Mielke	1938
William Strassburg	1939 - 1946	Clarence McKinnon	1947 - 1949
Elton Smith	1950	Loren(Jack) House	1951 - 1954
Henry McQuay	1955	Loren(Jack) House	1956 - 1957
Elwood Krull	1958	Loren(Jack) House	1959
Carl Meyers	1960	Loren(Jack) House	1961
Lloyd Harrington	1962 - 1963	Russel Gerby	1964-1965
Ralph Reed	1966	Earl Robins	1966-1968
George Hubbard	1969-1970	Elwood Krull	1971
George Hubbard	1972	Larry Donohue	1973-1974
Lewelyn Baldwin	1975	Curtis Krull	1975-1976
Dave Davis	1976	Douglas Jones	1977
Darwin Haseley	1978	Jack Smith	1979-1980
Carl Meyers	1981-1983	James Church	1984-1989
Gary Kroening	1990-1991	Carl Meyers	1992-1993
Gary Kroening	1994- 2003	Henry Beecher	2003
Rodney Hogg	2004- 2011	Lawrence Amacher Jr.	2012-

 

Photo Gallery

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