The history of the Morgantown Fire Department is as rich as  West Virginia itself. In 1857, while John Brown is planning his raid on Harpers Ferry, a group of concerned citizens in this small frontier hamlet buy two ladders and four hooks to assist in the combating of fire. During the Civil War not much is accomplished regarding fire protection, and when a raid by Confederate forces in April 1863 occurs, three lives of Morgantown residents are lost saving the suspension bridge from fire. The war against fire has come to Morgantown. On June 20, 1863 Morgantown becomes part of the new State of West Virginia. But, sadly, little progress is seen in providing fire protection for townsfolk.

 

By 1885, concerned with the threat of fire, a fire watch is established, and five years later an organization called the Morgantown Volunteer Fire Department is created to attempt to find ways to con- fires. The City of Morgantown gets involved in 1897 with the purchase of an invention by Alexander Graham Bell, to be placed in the homes of the 24 volunteer firefighters, to notify them in the event of fire.

 

Phones, planning and preparation pay off when the department is alerted on April 6, 1898 to respond to its first fire as a recognized unit. The fire at the Baker Cox building on High Street is quickly extinguished and the Morgantown fire ladies are happy with their early success.

 

The next day, however, April 7, the largest conflagration in the department's history occurs. A fire sweeps an entire city block between Maiden Alley (Wall Street) andWalnut Street. Once flames are doused, St. Clair's Restaurant, a tailor shop, laundry shop, the John house, the Miller Building, and Shisler's Hardware all lay in ashes. The very next year, in 1899, a fire razes WVU's Mechanical Hall, the present location of Stansbury Hall, on Beechurst Avenue. This will not be the last time Morgantown firefighters are called upon to battle a blaze at a structure so named. Hand drawn, hand pumped engines now replace leather buckets and by 1900 the City is protected by five hose and one Ladder Company. These units are strategically placed throughout the city's four wards. Located in First Ward is Engine Company One under Captain Harry Flemming. In Third Ward, Engine Company Two led by Captain George Breakiron and Engine Company Three commanded by Captain Grove O'Kelly are ever vigilant.

 

Because of its central location, Hook and Ladder One under Captain James St. Clair are also located in Third Ward. This unit stands ready to assist in all other wards for fire protection efforts. In Fourth Ward, Engine Companies Four and Five under Captains Gilbert Johns and John O'Donnell stand ready to respond to any threat of fire. During this time, the department is led by Chief A. E. Hayes, who is the first person to wear the Honorable Title of Morgantown Fire Chief. The makeup and operation of the fire department at this time is that of a volunteer fire unit.

 

In 1901 the City of Morgantown adopts its charter and establishes regulations for fire protection. By 1905 horses and fire wagons are purchased and replace hand drawn equipment. Theodore Major Nuzurn becomes one of the few drivers of this type of fire apparatus. In April of 1909 Mayor Albert Layton, a fire department member, recommends disposal of horses and wagons for the purchase of a motor car. An important change of command occurs in 1913 when James H. Kennedy, a member since 1898, replaces A. E. Hayes as Chief. Through the years of 1914, 15, and 16 the City of Morgantown continues to support fire suppression efforts with hose purchased at the rate of 1,000 feet per year. In addition, the city rents from Mr. Clarance Hall the end of a stable to store the department ladders. Through planning and effort the young department is successful in providing fire protection to this small town. In an attempt to provide quality service the city decides to pay volunteers an hourly rate while engaged in actual firefighting activity. This contracted service is beneficial to both the city and the department.

 

At about this same period the city compensates the Fire Chief as a paid employee in the amount of $150.00 per month. Tragedy strikes the department on November 14, 1917. While directing his men during fire operations at the Hirschman Building on High Street, Chief Kennedy is mortally wounded and dies at 7:00 in the morning. A special Council meeting is held that same day and resolves to honor the fallen leader by paying for funeral expenses, salary and eventually his mortgage. The Met Theater building now stands where this heroic fire officer gave his last full measure.

 

In 1918 the city will purchase its first engine and provide a pay raise to compensate volunteers for their contracted service, from $1.10 to $2.00 per hour. By 1919, however, the new engine has proved that its capacity to pump water is very poor. This situation is disappointing in light of the fact that the council of Westover has asked for an agreement for the Morgantown Volunteer Fire Department to provide fire service to its citizens.

 

During the 1920s, changes are taking place that begin to shape the department into a more effective fire unit. The Chamber of Commerce and City Council consider a plan to buy a chemical engine, hose and pumps. The citizens, however, are not willing to provide financial support for this endeavor.

 

In February of that year the wagon drivers are put on a 15-day notice that their services will no longer be needed and salaries will be discontinued. To supplement staff and to respond to a request by the City of Riverside to provide fire protection, a motion is made to hire two fire truck men at $125.00 per month. These new jobs begin April 1, 1920, and the department becomes part paid/volunteer with a staff of three. Although men are being hired, members elected to the Morgantown Volunteer Fire Department must still be approved by the Fire Chief and Council. In June of that same year the paid drivers are given an additional position and pay raises to $150.00 per month. In addition the city sees the necessity to raise the Fire Chief's salary to $160.00 per month. To assist the department with equipment purchases, the city buys its first protective gear in December when 15 coats and 20 pairs of boots are delivered. This early turnout gear has wool instead of gortex liners and we don't see men responding in leather fire boots. During this time numerous small home and chimney fires keep the fire ladies of the Morgantown Volunteer Fire Department busy, but fire loss is low. The dissatisfaction with the first engine purchased leads to the ordering of a new Aarons Fox in 1921, and by 1922 this new engine has arrived.

 

A turning point in the Morgantown Volunteer Fire Department occurs in the year of 1922. Due to pressures of outside fire protection contracts and the growth of town, the city increases its paid staff by hiring two men, bringing its total to five. Volunteers are no longer used for contracted service, and the Morgantown Fire Department becomes a full-time paid unit. The city boosts its out-of-city contracts to $35.00 for the first hour and $25.00 for any additional hour, to assist in the support of the full-time paid department. During 1923-24 five additional men are hired and by 1925 the Morgantown Fire Department has one engine and ten paid members. In February of that same year city council approves the purchase of badges to be worn by department members. Uniformity in dress and methods of operation are beginning to take shape. The order of a new engine in 1926 from the Seagrave Company doubles the number of apparatus in service and the Fire Department is located in a wooden garage at 600 Spruce Street. Also, an aerial apparatus from the Seagrave Company is ordered to assist the fire company in incidents of fire that occur in high-rise buildings. A new city hall building is completed that same year at the corner of Spruce and Fayette Streets. The fire department moves into two large rooms on the ground floor and will man this location for the next 34 years. By 1927 the fire department continues to increase its fire protection talents and resources.

 

On February 28, 1927, the fire department has its firefighting skills tested in assisting the community of Masontown,W.Va. Equipment and men rush to the rescue as a destructive fire threatens this Preston County neighbor. A beautiful grandfather clock now resides in the day room of Company One as a token of gratitude from Masontown residents. In early spring, as the weather begins to warm, a large fire at High and Fayette Streets occurs. The Strand Theater burns on April 14 with a two million dollar loss. This fire takes its toll on firefighters as well as buildings, as McKinney, DeVaughn, Hare, and Feck are injured battling this blaze. Not to be outdone, the Morgantown Post reports that "DOC," the firehouse mascot, helps firefighters stretch hose to the third floor and drops an infant from the roof, which is caught by onlookers and saved. The heroic actions of this animal are not surprising, since he is the son of the famous Marine Corps mascot "Jiggs".

 

During 1928, a new Aarons Fox engine is purchased, and the city continues to receive requests for fire protection outside the city limits. During this time new areas that have joined the city are also demanding fire protection. To assist the fire department in maintaining depth, the first hint of a pension fund is discussed. In February a pension fund is established and by June we have our first pension board, with firefighters Bond, Dutton, and Rich elected as members. During 1929 and 1930 conditions remain the same with the approval of one additional member, and by the end of 1930 the fire department strength is 11 paid members. During the early '30s the fire department continues to see changes that affect the way it is perceived by the public. In 1931, Local 313 of the International Association of Firefighters is formed and the first firefighter's convention is held in Morgantown. In August of 1933 B.B. Laidley is appointed to the new Civil Service Commission. During October of that same year, the Fire Insurance Association informs Council that the idea of reverting from a paid to a volunteer department would substantially increase fire insurance rates to the citizens.

 

A statewide fire school is conducted in 1934 at the drill tower located at Beechurst Avenue and Campus Drive. Visiting fire departments camp out in tents in the area that is now the Mountainlair Parking Garage. The major support members from that same drill tower are currently in use at the State Fire Training Center on Monongahela Boulevard. That same year, City Council approves and adopts rules and regulations for the fire department, and members are deputized with police powers to assist in school zones and traffic enforcement.  Through the end of 1934 the fire department continues to save numerous home and businesses from the threat of fire.

 

During 1935 the fire department will see itself in a battle with council as well as the threat of fire. In February of that year a motion is made by Council for the Chief to investigate the possibility of reverting to a volunteer department. At the same time Council agrees to hire one man to fill a department vacancy. In addition, council members make an attempt to obtain pension funds. The department is ordered to deliver $10,634.00 in pension fund money to the city treasury. The battle over these funds will escalate until May, when the West Virginia Supreme Court rules on a suit filed by the membership and the City Clerk becomes the custodian of the pension fund. During this stormy time the fire department faithfully mans its post. On February 7th, the Virginia Laundry, located at 170 Chestnut Street, is destroyed by fire. The total loss of this four-story frame structure results in a $35,000 loss. In the meantime Council continues its attack on fire department operations. A change in starting time from noon to 7 a.m. is proposed, but this is defeated when members point out that it would not permit them time to work their gardens. Firefighter John Rich is embroiled in a hiring controversy and is hired, fired and then rehired. Council bans all out-of-town runs to make the department more available to city residents, and finally they approve the hiring of twenty call men at a salary of $50.00 per year. The department survives 1935 and is very successful with fire prevention activities.

 

During 1936 they see a 50% reduction in city fire loss. A total of 130 alarms are answered that year, with a $13,815.00 loss. The department also asks for and is granted a $5.00 per month raise. During these progressive and somewhat challenging years hydrants are being placed and additional property is being added to the town proper. The year of 1937 continues to bring change that affects operation and moral. That budget year members request a 15% pay raise and also ask for two days off per man per month. To cover the days off two men are hired during '37 to bring department strength to 13. Through 1938 fire loss continues to decrease with 113 alarms answered and a $406.00 total loss. Even though fire loss is low the department is kept on its toes providing public safety. That summer an entire city block is threatened in the heart of the business district. Gasoline fumes fill stores and sewers, and only quick action by the members of our department results in the city being spared a catastrophe.  As the department enters the 1940s many events, some worldwide, will challenge its depth. World War 11 ushers in rationing on tires, metal, and gasoline. The town will also see many of its young men march off to war. In 1941 physicals are ordered for fire department members, and the city agrees to pay the $10.00 fee.

 

Firefighters spend their free time mending and repairing toys for Christmas that year as the Empire of Japan plots to destroy the Pacific fleet. In 1942, Harry Pickenpaugh, a very controversial Chief, will assume command of firefighting forces. To assist in meeting the needs of a growing community, a new substation is proposed for Wiles Hill and in May, after two men has left the force; three new men are hired to bring fire department strength to 14. In 1944 a new American LaFrance engine is ordered. This unit will be capable of pumping 750 gpm and will be a boost to fire inventory.

 

As the war continues the department is kept busy with city needs. In December of '45 a fire at the corner of High and Walnut guts Rands Drug Store and Central Restaurant. The total loss in this landmark fire is $ 100,000.

 

By 1946 the department is seeking raises and a reduction in the work week to 72 hours. The city theater tax is raised from one to two cents on each adult ticket, and firefighters receive a $ 15.00 per month raise. As 1947 arrives, Morgantown welcomes home its war heroes and receives a new American LaFrance engine. The 26 Seagrave is stored in the basement of city hall as reserve equipment. The new engine arrives in time to fight a fire in August at the Morgantown Airport. Fire efforts are quick but not before a hangar and 15 planes are destroyed. Church bells and fire bells ring on New Year's Eve of that year as a fire does $50,000 in damage to the Wesley Church on Willey Street. This fire is fought with heavy hearts as department members mourn Captain Earl Bond, a charter member of Local 313, who passed away on Christmas Day. Through the year of 1948 an additional man is approved for the department, and strength is boosted to 15 members. In 1949 a small conflagration on University Avenue destroys two businesses and four homes. Total loss in this fire is $310,000. In July the City annexes property in Sabraton and Suncrest. This addition in property increases city boundaries by an additional 3,542 acres. In addition, the SabratonVolunteer Fire Department is absorbed, making way for a new station in that area.

 

By the beginning of 1950 the department strength has dropped to 13 once again, and the manning of Spruce Street and Norwood Stations is done by two six-man crews. Later that year the department opens a new substation on the north side of town. Wiles Hill Station will quicken response for the citizens in that part of town. To keep all three stations manned, five new men are hired, and department size grows to eighteen. The Eureka Pipeline Company in First Ward and the Franklin Hotel on Walnut Street provide spectacular blazes in 1951. These incidents both occur within a month during June and July, and total loss as a result of these blazes is $190,000. During 1951 the department re- a new Chevy Chiefs vehicle and for the leather lungers Chemox breathing apparatus is in service. To help support rising costs the residents pass a fire fee increase in 1952 by almost a two-to-one margin. Through 1953 the city prepares for expansion of its fire service and hires two additional men to raise the roster to twenty.

 

In 1954 a new ladder truck is ordered and property is purchased for a new station on the south side of town. Cost of this property, located on South High Street, is $17,000.00. Through 1955 the department reduces its work week to 60 hours, and three men are hired to bring department strength to 23. It is about this time that the department establishes the three-crew system that is so familiar today. The City ofMorgantown and its fire department continues to train and improve its fire protection capabilities.

 

Through the years 1956 to 1959 the department will experience many changes and combat a dangerous fire on campus. As 1956 passes, events occur that encompass all aspects of firehouse life. The men are just getting adjusted to the use of a new 100-foot Seagrave ladder when a new station opens in February. Norwood station replaces the old frame building that once saw dances and social gatherings. In June, a fire destroys Mechanical Hall on Prospect Street across from Clark Hall. Once extinguished, destruction from this spectacular fire results in a 1.4 million dollar loss. Upon his retirement, Chief Pickenpaugh states that this was the most dangerous fire he had fought during his firefighting career.  In June Captain Ray Emsweller, the uncle of this author's rife, retires. Just prior to this event the Local Union president, E. James Nabors, is given a temporary retirement with a ten-day suspension handed out by the Chief. This issue is over the ownership of correspondence between the Union and the City Manager. The Civil Service Commission steps in and the later-to-be-Chief is exonerated.  In addition, three men are hired and department strength increases to 26. The last quarter of that year sees the arrival of two new engines. Engine Eight, a Mack, and Engine Nine, an FWD, increases the rolling stock of the department.

 

Equipment and a new station continue to expand the department's responsibilities in 1957. In addition, the department will see its biggest manpower increase ever.  Eleven new men are hired in '57, boosting the force to 36. A fire in January at the Andy Brothers Tire Shop, with a $35,000 loss, and the failure of 64 hydrants that are tested in April, however, will not

dampen the anticipation and excitement surrounding the opening of a new station. Southside, our main station, opens on July 2 and a new emergency car, a 1947 Cadillac, replaces the 15-year-old panel truck.

 

By 1958 finances once again take center stage and the department strength is reduced by one. Billy R. Hackney is laid off until October of 1959, reducing manpower to 35. This is the only position lost after Council attempts to cut strength by four, but due to an outcry by citizens and the Union, this proposal is revised and two jobs are saved. Eventually, only one position is lost to maintain strength. It is ironic that Council would propose such a move after the High Street fire in April of that same year that devastated downtown businesses and caused a half million dollar loss. As 1959 arrives City Council will reverse its position and approve $86,720 in fire fee increases. The retirement of two members continues to cause ranks to deplete as staff drops to 34. An attempt is made to hire eight additional members, but for the 1959-60 budgets only seven positions are promised. The fire department actively participates in the excitement that surrounds the WVU/Pitt game in October of '59 as a fire on Willey Street snarls traffic and adds an extra dimension to game day excitement.

 

The fire department is busy as 1960 arrives, and through the year the hiring of three new men and one loss will bring the department strength back to 36. In February of that year a local woman loses her life in a house fire, and the biggest snowfall to hit the area since 1950 blankets the city. The department is kept busy, as three blazes are battled during the height of the storm. In addition, a petition is signed by citizens of both Star City and Morgantown that supports the idea of a merger between the two municipalities. Neither council acts upon this matter nor it dies. Through mid-year the new Boulevard Station opens and is manned, and the budget for 1960-61 adds two additional men to the roster to keep the department growing. However, retirements keep staffing unchanged.

 

The ladies of fire department members are also busy that year. The Morgantown Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary keeps involved in many activities surrounding community health issues. As the end of the year nears Spruce Street Station is closed, and on December 12, engines roll out of this location for the last time. Many memories can be shared by a number of fire department members who have started their fire service careers at this location.

 

The Department seems to be well placed and equipped between the years 1961 to 1966. Although it will see little in the way of equipment replacement, fires and prevention continue to keep the department active. During 1961 the landmark Berman Building at High and Walnut Streets will be saved by the valiant efforts of the men. Later that same year, a Lake Central airplane plunges over the end of the runway at the airport. This event provides a lot of excitement and activity, and fortunately there are no injuries.

 

In '62 the Morgantown Fire Department wins second place in a statewide competition for fire prevention. However, a fire at Doctor Thompson's, located at Fayette and Spruce, and a blaze at University and Walnut provides plenty of hose time and stings the department with an $85,000 loss. During 1963 two local citizens die as a result of fire. Irma Smith falls victim at her home at 617 Allen Street, and John Barlow perishes at his residence at 505 McLane Avenue.

 

Fire incidents still regularly occur in now-student housing located in these same areas. As the department labors through 1964, two new men and one retirement boost the roster to 37. A huge fire at the Elks Club on Walnut Street causes a $50,000 loss in early 1965. Many members fondly remember this building as the site of fire department dances. These fund-raisers were to provide additional money to buy uniforms and bunker gear. A new Bonneville funeral car is added to the fleet in August, and a few days later the abandoned Moore Electric Building in Sabraton is destroyed by fire. Changes to staff through this time have kept the department strength at 37, but as 1966 arrives department endurance will be severely tested. The department's talents are dangerously challenged by numerous house fires and a destructive warehouse fire in Marilla. The Baker & Coombs building located on East Brockway Avenue falls victim to flames with a $40,000.00 loss. Chief Switzer admits that department manpower is inadequate. He informs Council that he has recently seen five members resign or retire, and additional manpower is imperative. The Chief continues to argue that due to the size of town and population the fire department strength should be 45. Although the city has seen a number of destructive fires, pleas fall on deaf ears and only four firefighters are hired. With retirements this leaves the department strength at 37 once men are hired.

 

The City attempts to keep up with increased technology and in 1967 a new GMC engine arrives. This cab-over unit handles well but gearing makes it sluggish on the grades. As the city recognizes its need for increased fire protection, Firefighter William Bates, who served the city between 1955 to 1980, is recognized for answering his country's call. On June 6, 1967 the United States Army finally awards Bill a Bronze Star for his action against Germany in World War Il. City government also answers the call and ten new men are hired. For a short time department strength is 47, but two members retire and one is drafted and department strength stabilizes at 44. In December of that year the department answers fire alarms at West Virginia University Hospital. Once flames are doused and smoke is cleared, the hospital has suffered $150,000 in damage. The success of this incident is measured by the fact that 325 patients are evacuated without incident. The only noticeable change in fire department equipment from 1968 to 1971 is the arrival of a GMC van in 1968. This new unit is purchased for $2,700 and will assist fire department operations in transporting small tools, equipment and men.

 

During the early 1970s a new chief will take command and equipment purchases will see a notable and welcomed increase; but, sadly, fire still keeps making headlines.

 

During the cold of January '72 the Miners Lodge keeps department skills honed to a razor's edge. Fire sweeps through this structure on the 21st and causes a $100,000 loss. During August of that same year the department receives and puts in service a new Pirsch. Engine 3 will see much use during its career in Morgantown. By 1973 Chief Bob Raider has taken the helm at the department. This new chief wants to see replacement equipment purchased on a regular basis, and an inspection program implemented. He states that firefighters need to familiarize themselves with structures in the city, and this will increase depth within the department. In early '73 a new ambulance arrives. Car 10, a Chevy Suburban, is a welcome replacement to the old emergency car. Due to the lack of manpower required to maintain all areas of service, the decision to close the Boulevard station comes in 1974. This action requires the north end of town to be covered solely by the Wiles Hill substation.

 

Property coverage increases in 1975 with the opening of a new shopping center on the Green Bag Road. During construction of the Mountaineer Mall the department is promised six new positions, but this manpower increase is never realized. A new engine, a Sutphen, arrives that same year to provide replacement for engines that have seen many years of service. As equipment arrives older model units are replaced, and in 1976 old Engine 2, an American LaFrance, is taken out of service. During 1977 an accident involving the emergency car occurs on Route 7 in front of Horton Ford. Two firefighters are sent to the hospital for minor injuries and are treated and released. Car 10, however, is severely damaged and taken out of service. A decision is made by administration to discontinue this free medical service to the city. The removal of the emergency car makes room for the arrival of a new unit. Engine 15, a shiny new GMC with Pirsch body, arrives and is put in service. In the remaining days of that year fire again takes life in Morgantown. An early morning blaze on Beechurst Avenue takes the lives of three young women attending the West Virginia Career College. These deaths motivate the City of Morgantown to pass and implement a smoke detector ordinance.

 

By 1978 a new aerial unit has arrived in Morgantown. Truck 14, an American LaFrance, replaces the old Seagrave with over 20 years of service. The retired unit is sold to volunteers in the county, and is housed at the Brookhaven Volunteer Fire Department. It meets its demise during fire ground operations at a fire at Buck Stove Truck 14 on Route 7, when it is set up improperly and the ladder fails.  The new ladder unit is used downtown when a fire strikes Biafora's Store and warehouse in September of 1979.

 

As the department advances into the '80s, the challenge to keep abreast of changes sweeping the nation continues to keep the department changing tactics and procedures. During the cold winter months of 1983 fire equipment and men take a beating on Windsor Avenue. Not only is the structure a total loss that Christmas Day, but engines and equipment suffer damage due to frigid temperatures.

 

By 1984 we have lost another downtown historic structure on Spruce Street when the Conner Building burns on January 2. That same year sees an increase to Staff Officers as Council approves the position of Fire Prevention Officer. This new position adds an additional lieutenant position to the rank structure, and will assist in proper code enforcement. During the period of 1985-86 crews are kept busy with two large spectacular fires in Morgantown. Hills Furniture Store in the warehouse district on Clay Street burns with a $ 750,000 loss, and in July of 1986 the landmark "Market" on Willey at Richwood is destroyed by fire, resulting in one million dollars in damage. This loss is put to use, however, when a retired firefighter designs and opens a paid parking lot. This venture helps the downtown area ease its parking congestion.

 

During the late1980s equipment changes are realized and in 1988 a new Pierce engine is obtained. Engine One has the capability of pumping 1250 gallons per minute and is four-wheel-drive. However, in administrative action in 1989, council will reduce the department roster to 43, a number unchanged to date. As the 1990s arrive, many changes in administration, office space, equipment, and job hazards challenge a new breed of firefighter that is called upon to provide total public safety to the community.

 

The early years of the new decade see office change and equipment replacement. In August of 1990, staff offices made up of the Chief, Training Captain, and Fire Marshal move from Company One to the new Public Safety Building on Spruce Street. Many will remember this location as the site of the old Morgantown Junior High School. Through 1995 the department will receive a new Mini Pumper/Rescue Unit. This vehicle will assist in parking garages and the many medical first-responder calls that the department is now called upon to answer. A new unit for Company Three arrives in 1993. A Pierce engine with an enclosed cab, the first of its kind in Morgantown, is a welcome replacement for worn-out equipment. During 1994 a shiny new Chevy pickup is delivered after being purchased on the state bid program. Members now have the ability to keep up with the many hauling chores that seem to surround fire department activities.

 

As expected, fire still attacks and destroys property in Morgantown. In January of 1996 a fire on Clay Street devastates a structure housing the Furniture Galleon. After flames are doused this confirmed arson fire has done $800,000 in damage. As members critique this incident, many observe that this is the only General Alarm they remember, where every firefighter was present. By November of 1996 another arson-related fire has struck. A blaze damages historic Woodburn Hall on West Virginia University Campus. By the time this fire is contained, $200,000 in damage is realized. As 1997 passes, the department is in need of a new ladder unit. Damage to the'78 American LaFrance, at a West Virginia University Fire School, has taken it out of service and a new Pierce is purchased to replace the damaged rig. This all-wheel-steer vehicle is our second enclosed cab vehicle and is the latest technology in aerial apparatus. The ability of this unit to pump water as well as ladder buildings gives it a versatility that eclipses any other unit in department service.

 

As the year 2000 nears, the fire department can take pride in its accomplishments. Slow and small engines are now replaced by high-tech pumpers. On-board computer systems keep fire department officers updated on buildings as they approach fire scenes. Ladders and elevated platforms are now reaching new heights powered by massive hydraulic systems. The modern Morgantown firefighter must also be trained in skills other than fire suppression. Advanced medical knowl- edge replaces old first-aid skills, and hazardous materials technicians must be trained to deal with the new threats posed by truck and rail. Turnout gear no longer is made of canvas and wool, as new materials with gortex liners have become available. Firefighters' health is now guarded as repellents are added to protective equipment as safeguards against contamination by blood and body fluids. Fire helmets, boots, and gloves, all of newer and lighter materials, aid the firefighters in their most hazardous profession. Old Chemox and All Service breathing apparatus have been replaced by modern breathing units with up to sixty minutes of service. These changes keep our department always on its toes and always learning.

 

However, there is one thing that will never change and skills that can never be taught: Courage, dedication and pride, traits that make our fire department what it is today. So, as we look back to a hundred years ago, or as we try to look ahead to a hundred years from now, these qualities make us what we are and always will be: Morgantown Firefighters, the men of horses, smoke and engines.