Historic exhibit to honor Batavia Fire Department's 150th anniversary

Ok, I'll admit it. When I was a kid, I was a fire truck chaser, as were many kids in my neighborhood. If a fire truck went speeding by, with sirens blazing, we would hop on our bikes and follow.

That all changed when a fire engulfed a home, in the early morning hours, just a few blocks away. The family had gotten out, thanks to their dog who barked to wake them.

As the fireman worked to extinguish the flames, the family waited patiently praying the firemen would find the heroic dog. I still remember a fireman, who had risked his own safety, carrying the lifeless dog out of the burning house. The family broke down in tears as did most of the friends and neighbors who had congregated there.

It was the last fire truck I ever chased.

Everyone in town knew the firemen because the fire station was always open. Kids could head down to Island Avenue and visit with Sparky, the fire dog. If you were lucky, a fireman would let you slide down the pole.

There's no fire pole sliding anymore, but there still is that welcoming spirit within the fire department.

When my 4-year-old nephew became obsessed with fire trucks, I took him to fire stations in both Batavia and Geneva. This little guy, who had some major health issues, was given tours that he still talks about today. He has visited many fire stations in northern Wisconsin where he lives, but if you ask him which one his favorite, he always says,"The ones at Aunt Sammi's house."

This September, the Batavia Fire Department will celebrate its 150th anniversary. Established on Sept. 18, 1866, the department started out with a bucket brigade of 22 men.

According to the Batavia Historian, "the Fire Department was to consist of 20 or more persons to be appointed by the President or Trustees. One captain and one assistant were to be elected from their number. They were to have sole and absolute control of all members at fires. They were to report on the condition of all fire apparatus (mostly buckets and ladders then) and to recommend new material. All citizens at the fire were required to help put out the fire if requested by the captain."

The Historian also reported, "It was recommended that one of the first purchases be a stretcher to use in case of emergency. When they get a little more money, they plan to buy a first aid kit."

Funds were authorized for a new station in 1872.

"The station was on the west side of Island Avenue behind the old post office," said Chris Winter, Depot Museum Curator. "In 1917, the station moved across the street on the east side of Island Avenue."

In celebration of the anniversary, Winter has created a new exhibit with the help of the fire department. The exhibit will include old photographs, some artifacts and memorabilia. The exhibit opens to the public on Sept. 7 and runs through Nov. 20.

"One of the artifacts included in the exhibit is a brass emblem from an 1880 hose cart," said Winter. "It's very cool to see that."

The fire department is planning a community celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 18, at the west side fire station, 1400 Main St.

"We will be showing the progress in the last 150 years," said Chief Randy Deicke. "We're showing a slide program along with photographs and some artifacts."

There will also be tours of the station and the chance for kids to talk with the firemen and learn about fire safety.

"We want to take the opportunity on Sept. 18 to celebrate our 150 years and to thank the community for its commitment to the department," said Chief Deicke.

When the chief said that, I thought, we are the ones who are grateful. Thank you from all, who have experienced a fire and had the fire department respond. Thank you from those who have had the fire department paramedics respond to an urgent call, especially a medical emergency. And thank you from a community that knows the fire department will be there when needed.