THE EARLY DAYS

The City of Ennis was incorporated in November 1873 as a town of less than 1,000 population. At that time Ennis was developing as a railroad town with the Houston and Texas Central Railroad. Business was beginning to boom and there was still much of the old west present in Ennis as some gunfights still took place.

There were many fires during the early years of Ennis and the records indicate they were in Hotels. Blacksmith Shops and Dry Good Stores, but the firefighting was limited to a very unorganized bucket brigade. In 1880 there was a fire in a blacksmith shop. There was no organized company and many of the men who were trying to help had no experience. Mr. A.H.

Rowe, the owner of Rowe's Bottom Gin had served with a bucket brigade in Jefferson, Texas prior to coming to Ennis. He so successfully directed their efforts that the fire was stopped and extinguished. Mr. Rowe was subsequently made the leader of the bucket brigade. Rowe played a very important role from that time, as leader of the bucket brigade and the owner of the building where the first apparatus was housed after the fire department was formed.

The bucket brigade served Ennis very well in those early days, however; by 1883 the population of Ennis was 2,500 and many businesses were expanding into Ennis because of the railroad.

It was at this point that a group of Ennis businessmen met to form the Ennis Fire Department.

NOVEMBER 21, 1884

While Ennis was growing, the city was experiencing many more fires and the losses of buildings were quite frequent. The businessmen in Ennis were concerned and met to form the first organized fire department in Ennis. The first meeting was on June 3, 1884 and after many meetings with the businessmen and community leaders, arrangements were made to purchase fire equipment, provide water for firefighting, house the equipment and organize the firefighters. As a result of these meetings a very elaborate set of by-laws were written to control the firefighters and the actions of the department.

The Ennis Fire Department was formed on November 21, 1884. Mr. J. Baldridge was the first Fire Chief and Mr. P.A. Jordan was the foreman of the fire company. The first firefighting equipment consisted of an upright hand operated pumper and a Silsby horse drawn steam operated pumper. This equipment was housed in a corrugated iron building belonging to Mr. Rowe. The building was located on the southwest corner of McKinney and Baylor Streets. Water for firefighting was pumped from a water tank at Rowe's Gin which was located where the Post Office is now to the northwest corner of Dallas St. and Ennis Ave. From there it was conveyed rubber hoses on hand

operated reels to the fire. The fire bell was located on the east side of N. Dallas St. midway in the 100 block. The bell was rang to alert firefighters and the citizens whenever a fire occurred.

The fire department had a very definite social side in the early days as they participated in parades and community events. This required a uniform for social functions and the uniform they chose presented an imposing appearance. The uniform consisted of black pants, fancy red shirts, a white leather belt, white leather suspenders and a white leather hat with a red front. The cost was $154.42 for each uniform, which was a staggering amount for 1884. The fire department raised money to purchase uniforms by holding Balls and Suppers. Young ladies were chosen as sponsors to appear with the firefighters during these special occasions. Those whose names were recorded were Miss Signa Cox, Miss Katie Elder, Miss Vashti House, Miss Mamie Bradley,

Miss Yetta Freeman and Miss Stella Howell.

The period during the First World War was a difficult time for the fire department, since the fire department depended on young active men. Many of the young men during this period were called to the army for service and this depleted the fire department roster of many of the firefighters.

Some of the larger fires during the early years which destroyed building were:

RUSHING MURDOUH DRY GOODS STORE- located on the southwest corner of Knox and Dallas St. Destroyed by fire in 1900.

ST JOSEPHS CATHOLIC CHURCH- the church was destroyed by a tornado in 1888; it was rebuilt and then destroyed by fire in 1902.

ENNIS HIGH S0'HOOL located at 500 N. Gaines, the school was built in 1883 and was destroyed by fire in 1893, the school was rebuilt in 1894 at a cost of $25,000.

THE PYTHIAN BUILDlNG this building housed the Pythian Temple and The Ennis Daily News Office and was destroyed by fire on November 12, 1909.

THE KING HOTEL -located in the 100 block of Northeast Main was leveled by fire in 1926.

FRED J FERRIS, died from injuries received in the line of duty while fighting a fire on September 4, 1910. Mr. Ferris's name is listed on a memorial to volunteer firemen on the State Capital grounds in Austin. Texas.

The fire department utilized horse drawn, hand and steam operated pumps throughout the early days, but the motorized equipment was on the way

The Ennis Fire Department also provided the proposed results fewer fire losses and better organization. This helped as Ennis continued to grow. The population of Ennis by 1895 was

3,400 and the business portion of town consisted of 10 blocks of brick buildings. There were 22 dry goods stores, 19 groceries, 5 drug stores, 4 jewelry stores, 2 banks, 4 hardware stores, 3 lumber yards, 4 dentist, 13 doctors, lawyers and many other processing businesses.

During these early years, the fire department was funded strictly through donations and special fund raising events. There were no paid firefighters and only the secretary was allowed the sum of $25.00 per year for their service. The treasurer of the department was required to give a bond equal to double the sum of the funds on hand every year at the beginning of their term. The nominee for fire chief must have been a member of the department for at least three years.

The first paid firefighter for the Ennis Fire Department was in 1899, and was a blackman named "Ben". Ben's last name was never recorded, however; he was paid to care for the horses harness the team to the steam pumper, stoke the fire box of the steam pumper and drive the horse drawn pumper to the fire. Records show that Ben was with the department until at least 1917.

In 1915 the Ennis Fire Department moved from McKinney and Baylor St. to the new City of Ennis Building at the corner of Brown and Dallas St. The building was dedicated on June 3I, 1915 and had three front bay doors that were bi-fold type and opened inward. There were rooms within the station where members could live if they stayed five consecutive nights. The bays were set-up to stable the horses and there were riggings to hold the harnesses. At the time the new station was being constructed, the fire bell was moved from the 100 block of Dallas St. to a tower in front of the H & TC Railroad Depot located on Ennis Ave.

CONSTITUTION

AND

BY-LAWS

ENNIS FIRE DEPARTMENT

We, the members of the Ennis Fire Department, hereby adopt the following as our Constitution and By-Laws, and pledge ourselves: "To cultivate more sociable ties between members; to defend the lives and property of our citizens; to attain better conditions of the Department, and a more harmonious and friendlier feeling for each other; and further, to perform all duties and services required of us by said Constitution and By-Laws."

Constitution.

ARTICLE I.

The name by which this Department will be known shall be the Ennis Fire Department, It shall be composed of Chief, First Assistant Chief, Second Assistant Chief, Secretary and Treasurer, the Foreman and two Delegates from each Company. All to be active members of their respective Companies.

ARTICLE II

The officers of this Department, Chief, First Assistant Chief and Second Assistant Chief, Secretary and treasurer, shall be nominated and elected by the duly accredited delegates of the several companies composing this Department by written ballot bi-annually on the first Thursday night in March.

ARTICLE Ill.

Sec. 1. All nominations for office shall be made in open meeting and the Secretary shall keep a correct list of nominations for each office in the order specified in Article 2.

Sec. 2. The presiding officer shall appoint one delegate from; each Company to act as teller and to count out the written votes cast, and report the same to the Secretary, who will announce the result for each office as specified and set out in Article 2.

Sec. 3. In, the event of a tie or no election on the first ballot for any office the presiding officer shall order the name having the least number of votes dropped, and a new vote shall be taken for said office. In case of another tie or no election then the same proceeding shall be gone over until

an election is had.

See. 4. The Secretary or acting Secretary of each Company shall make and file with the Department Secretary on or before the first stated meeting in each year the names of the delegates and foreman of each Company for the current year. He shall also file with the Department Secretary a certified list of all members of his Company. And Department Secretary shall file said lists with the City Secretary, County Clerk and District Clerk. Said lists to be ratified by Chief. Any violation of this Section shall be subject to such fine as the Department deems just.

ARTICLE IV.

Sec. 1. Duties of Chief. It shall be his duty to preside at all meetings of this Department, unless he be disqualified.

See. 2. He shall have control of and the general management of the Department at all times. He shall settle all disputes arising between Companies. If his decision be not satisfactory an appeal may be taken to the Department any officer or Company on trial shall have no vote,

Sec. 3. The` Chief, under the direction of the Chairman of Fire Committees or Fire Marshal (or if in their absence he may deem it necessary) shall direct and superintend the tearing down of any building not on tire which, in his judgment, he deems it necessary to stop the spreading of said fire

ARTICLE V.

Duties of Assistant Chief.

Sec. 1. The Assistant Chiefs shall assist the Chief in the discharge of his duties. and in his absence the Assistant Chiefs in rotation shall be vested with all the powers of the Chief, and perform all the duties of Chief.

ARTICLE VI.

Duties of Secretary

Sec. 1. The Department Secretary shall keep a correct record of all the proceedings of the Department meetings.

Sec. 2. He shall keep a list of all members of this Department, also all registrations, expulsions, etc. He shall be allowed the sum of $25.00 per year for his services; said sum to be made into four equal payments and allowed at regular meetings of this Department, and out of its funds.

ARTICLE VII.

Duties of Treasurer.

See. 1. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to keep a true account of all moneys and property received by him, the source whence derived and time, together with all expenditures made by him and for what purpose. .

Sec. 2. He shall give bond in the sum of double the amount of funds on hand, the same to be approved in department meeting and filed with Secretary. A new bond to be made every year at beginning of his term of office.

Sec. 3. He shall pay all warrants drawn on him when signed by the Chief and countersigned by the Secretary, and bearing the seal of the Ennis Fire Department.

Sec. 4. He shall be ready at all times to report the amount of moneys on hand, and shall at each annual meeting make a detailed written report of the finance and expenditures, and duties performed by him during the past year.

Sec. 5. He shall turn over to his successor all moneys, books and papers in his possession, taking a receipt therefore.

ARTICLE Vlll.

General Rules and Laws.

Sec. 1. Two or more Companies shall constitute a Department, and may hold a legal meeting, provided, a majority of the members of said two Companies desire one held for any purpose and the Chief refuses to call a meeting when properly petitioned by seven active members who have been on the roll of their respective Companies one year.

Sec. 2. The regular meetings of this Department shall be held on the first Thursday night of each month of the year. The regular hour shall be 8 P.M., April to October; 7:30 P.M. balance of the year.

Sec. 3. Each regularly organized Fire Company shall be represented by Foreman and two Delegates.

Sec. 4. Each Delegate and the Foreman and each officer of this Department shall be entitled to one written ballot in all matters to be voted on brought before this Department, unless disqualified.

See. 5. No member or apparatus shall leave a fire without the permission of the Chief or officer acting in his stead.

Sec. 6. No-one is eligible to the office of "Chief" or Assistant Chiefs, unless he has served in the Ennis Volunteer Fire Department at least three years, or Secretary or Treasurer unless he is an active member and in good standing with his Company and the Department.

Sec. 7. In the absence of the Chief or Assistant Chiefs the Senior Foreman of the Department shall act as Chief, and is hereby vested with all power of Chief in all matters brought before this Department.

Sec. 8. Instructions from the Chief or Commanding Officer at Fires, Parades, Drills, etc., shall be given to any member or officer of any Company, and the said Officer or member shall be held responsible for the execution of same.

In case of disobedience he shall be fined as per fines and penalties.

Sec 9. Any member of a Company while a paid man by the City shall not be eligible for office or take any part in this Company or the Department affairs, or to have any vote in the affairs of the Department, or any Company; but said member may be carried on the rolls of his Company, and be exempt from fines and dues at the option of his Company.

See. 10. Any member of this Department or of any Company failing to attend at least 10 fires during the year, unless excused by Department shall be dropped from the rolls of his Company. No appeal can be made from this Section except those members who have served 15 years as active members.

See. 11. It shall be the duties of the officers of the several Companies to obey enforce the orders or instructions of the Chief or Commanding Officer at fires or funerals.

See. 12. Whenever it becomes necessary for a Company to attach their hose to that of another Company, to complete a line, the Company furnishing the nozzle end of said line shall be entitled to the entire hose and pipe and have the credit.

See. 13. Should the Chief, First or ,Second Assistant Chiefs of this Department be a member of any Company of this Department, his Company shall retire his name from the active to the Honorary list at his request without being subject to either fine or dues during the time he shall fill such

office, so that at the expiration of his term he may resume service on the active list.

Sec. 14. The Secretary of each Company in the Department shall furnish the Chief with a complete roll of the officers and members of their Companies, and he shall call or have same called after each fire, and such members of

the Companies as failed to attend the fires shall be dealt with as per Sec. 10.

See. 15. Such moneys as come into the Chief or Assistant Chiefs hands by donation or otherwise must at once be turned over to the Secretary, who shall immediately give same to the Treasurer, who shall place same at once to the credit of the proper fund intended or designated for same as per fines and penalties.

Each Company Secretary shall turn into Secretary of Department a list of each members standing every three months. Be it resolved that no Company By-Laws shall conflict with the Constitution and By-Laws of the Ennis

Fire Department.

Be it resolved that any member who has served as an active fireman for 15 years shall be exempt from all duties as a fireman, except dues.

BY-LAWS.

SEC. 1. Five members shall constitute a quorum,.

SEC, 2. At every meeting the Chief or Chairman protem shall take-the chair at the appointed time, and a quorum being present, the board shall proceed to business.

SEC. 3. The roll having been called, the records to date shall be read, and when confirmed, the presiding officer shall sign them, after which no alteration can be made therein, nor can any one dissent from the same.

SEC. 4. Any delegate wishing to speak must rise and address the Chairman, if two rise at the same time the Chair will decide which is entitled to the floor; all remarks must be strictly confined to the subject under debate and personalities avoided, and no delegate shall speak more than twice on the same subject unless to explain.

SEC.5. No report or resolution shall be received unless presented in writing at special meetings only such business as the meeting may have been called for shall be transacted, unless by consent of two-thirds of the delegates present.

SEC. 6. Any delegate guilty of disrespectful language or conduct at a meeting shall be fined for the first offense s per "Fines and Penalties." and for continuing such disrespectful conduct or language, such penalty shall be affixed as the majority of the members present may determine.

SEC. 7. A fine shall be imposed on every delegate absenting himself from a meeting as per "Fines and Penalties," and each Company shall be held responsible for the " fines of its delegates. When in case said delegate fails or refuses to pay said fine, the Secretary of the Department shall notify the Company of its delegates refusal or failure to pay the same, said delegate shall not be entitled to vote or speak on any question when the amount of his indebtedness reaches $4.00.

SEC. 8. Any member or members of a Company belonging to this Department, resorting to blows while on duty shall be handed over to the Police by the Chief or Officer in Command.

SEC. 9. -No officer or member of this Department shall incur any expense to the Department unless by a vote of the delegates at constitutional meeting of such delegates.

SEC. 10. Upon the call of any three members of the board the Yeas and Nays must be taken and the vote of each member recorded.

SEC. 11. The annexed fine and penalties shall be inflicted on all delinquents, unless their excuse be absent from the City, sickness or death in the family, or acceptable excuse to Chief.

SEC. 12. No alterations or amendments to these By-Laws can be proposed or enacted, except it be presented in writing at a stated meeting for consideration and shall then require the concurrence of two-thirds of the delegates present.

RULES GOVERNING ROOMS. :

The Foreman shall be held responsible for the condition of the rooms and he shall see that each occupant of each room shall keep same in a sanitary and orderly condition.

A willful or negligent offender, after receiving notice from the Foreman that his room is not kept in proper condition, shall be assessed a fine not exceeding 50c for each offense.

Any Fireman found with a lewd woman in shall be dismissed from the Company.

Any Fireman found drinking or gambling in the rooms will be fined not less than $1.00 for each offense.

No visitor shall occupy rooms except by express permission from Chief or Foreman.

Each Fireman holding a room (or bed) must occupy same not less than FIVE nights each week. Failure to comply with this rule shall forfeit all his rights to room, unless first excused by Chief or Foreman.

Any Fireman found guilty of defacing or destroying any property belonging to the Department will be dismissed from the Company.

Any Fireman failing or refusing to answer a fire call .when in his rooms, shall be dropped from the Company unless he furnish the Chief or Foreman with a reasonable excuse.

ORDER OF BUSINESS.

1. Roll Call of Officers and Delegates.

2. Reading of Minutes of Last Meeting.

3. Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting. `

4. Absentees Called on for Excuses.

5. Reports of Officers.

6. Reports of Delegates.

7. Reports of Standing Committees.

8. Reports of Special Committees. .

9. Unfinished Business.

10. New Business.

11. Good of the Department.

12. Roll Call.

13. Adjournment.

FINES AND PENALTIES. .

COMPANIES. Companies failing to report for duty at fires, $10.00.

INSUBORDINATION, Trial by Delegates. Insubordination, see Art. 8.

CHIEF. Chief failing to appear at fire, parade or meetings or failure of duty, for each offense $1.00. "

ASSISTANT CHIEFS. Failing to appear at fires, parades or meetings, or failure of duty, for each offense $1.00.

SECRETARY. Secretary of Department failure of duty, each offense $2.00.

TREASURER. Treasurer of Department failure of duty, each offense 50c.

MEMBERS. Members of board for non-attendance at meetings, $5.00.

DISRESPECT. Disrespectful language or conduct at meetings, 50c.'

COMRANY SECRETARIES. Secretaries of Companies failing to present their roll $1.00.

LEAVING. Leaving a meeting or fire without per-mission $1.00.

THE CHANGING ERA

By 1920 Ennis was flourishing as a center of trade and agriculture, however; a cultural change was taking place. The days of gunfights and traveling medicine shows were gone and

the city had opera houses, big band concerts and theatre stage shows. There were two music conservatories and many cultural clubs.

This era was also a time for major changes in the fire department. Since the start of the fire department in 1884, the equipment used had been horse drawn and hand or steam operated. The Fire Chiefs had been J. Baldridge, W.E. Bradley, J.B. Murdoch, J.A. Hillyer and Ross Crumley. Chief Crumley and the fire department board found that it was time to purchase an engine driven, mechanically operated fire truck. Ennis had been growing not only in population, but in height. Churches, hotels and business buildings had reached up to five stories in height and the department had no ladders.

The first engine driven apparatus was a 1923 American Lafrance pumper, serial number 3406. This pumper was driven by a 436 cubic inch six cylinder engine with a dual magneto ignition

system. The clutch was wood lined and the wheels were chain driven. The pump delivered 500 gallons per minute and the water tank held 50 gallons. The pumper was equipped with axes, pike poles, nozzles, hose and ladders.

The advent of an engine driven vehicle required the services of a paid driver. Wayne Blakey was hired to drive the new pumper to fires. When the fire bell was sounded, Mr. Ed McElroy of McElroy's Garage would respond to the station to help Mr. Blakey start the engine on the pumper so a response could be assured.

In 1925 Hugh Fitzgerald became fire chief. Ennis was still growing and the population was 5,500. Most of the social life was centered in the Lakeside Country Club which was built that year. This was a modern club and part of the continuing modernization taking place in Ennis. Chief Fitzgerald was responsible for the purchase of two more engine driven trucks during this era.

In 1927 the fire department purchased the first ladder truck, a 1927 American Lafrance, serial number 5827. This truck now gave the firefighters the opportunity to reach fires at a height greater than 20 feet. The truck was equipped with a 750 gallon per minute pump, a 50 gallon water tank, fire hose bed, fire hose, nozzles and the following ladders.

Two 20 foot straight ladders

One 30 foot extension ladder

One 35 foot Bangor type extension ladder with tormentor poles

One 40 foot Bangor type extension ladder with tormentor poles

The ladder truck was delivered cm a railroad flat car and was loaded on Southwest Main St. It was a glorious day for the Ennis Fire Department as there are stories of spraying water through hose streams to a distance of 150 feet. In 1929 the fire department purchased a 1929 American Lafrance pumper, serial number 6409. This pumper was equipped similar to the 1923 model except it had a 750 gallon per minute pump and a 3/4" booster line reel.

These apparatus purchases brought Ennis into the modern era and also increased the pride within the fire department. This pride within the department and the city also increased the

Department membership to 46 firefighters in 1930. These first engine driven trucks served the department for many years and fought many major fires during this era. The 1923 American Lafrance Pumper remained in service until 1952. When it was removed from service it was placed on display at Jaycee Park for a number of years and it is now located at the residence of Charles Newman in Oakgrove.

The 1927 American LaFrance ladder truck remained in service until November 20, 1963, when the engine threw a rod while fighting a fire at a grocery store. The truck was purchased by the Ennis Evening Lions Club and restored. The truck was used by the Lion's Club often for community events. This truck has been acquired by the Ennis Professional Firefighters Association, and they have plans to completely restore this truck.

The 1929 American Lafrance 'pumper remained in service until 1964. This truck was purchased by a shoe manufacturing company in Ft. Worth. Texas.

Some of the larger fires that destroyed buildings during this era are:

H & TC RAILROAD HDSPITAL- Southwest corner of Kaufman and Gilmer, was destroyed by fire in 1927.

WORLEY HOMIE- 900 E. Knox, 1935

ANDERSON HOME- Southwest corner of Clay and Knox, destroyed by fire in 1937.

DUNKERLY HOME - S. Clay, 1940

DR. DOWELL HOME- 700 block N. Gaines. 1941

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - Preston and Baylor, 1945

GOODWIN HOME - N. Clay and Belknap, 1946

LAKESIDE COUNTRY CLUB- Destroyed by fire twice, 1949 & 1958

One fire during this era cost an Ennis firefighter his life. In 1942 the burning of garbage was allowed by the city. The condition on this particular day were hot temperatures, low humidity and high winds, so the city broadcast an alert that residents were not to burn garbage on that day. Lucy Rushing, who lived in an apartment house on Baylor St. between Sherman & McKinney did not heed the warning and burned her garbage as usual. The winds were coming from the southwest at 35 mph when the fire started to spread. The Ennis Fire Department responded and immediately called for help due to the spreading fire and the conditions. Students from Ennis High School were released to assist the fire department. One Student, Roland Rider was killed when he came in contact with an electric line. The fire destroyed 13 homes as it burned a path towards

the northeast, and was finally stopped at Tyler and Northwest Main St.

Chief Fitzgerald remained as chief of both the police and fire department until 1949. He served the city well during this era as did many brave firefighters that helped mold the traditions of Ennis Fire Department for many years. Chief Fitzgerald purchased one more fire truck before his retirement in 1949. In 1947 the Ennis Fire Department received the first brush firefighting vehicle. The unit was a. 1947 Ford with a 125 gallon per minute auxiliary engine driven pump with a 30

gallon water tank. This truck was used until 1961.

THE INDUSTRIAL PERIOD

By 1950, Ennis was firmly set as an industrial city. Manufacturing plants were the major employers. These large complexes also required changes in the fire department structure.

The bell that had sounded the alarm for so many years was removed from the tower in front of the H & TC Railroad building and a siren was installed on top of the fire station. It is unknown where the bell was placed, but the tower was used to hold overhead yard lights at the public works yard on S. Kaufman.

Jack Lightsey became fire chief in 1950 and began a program to assure faster responses to fires. The first priority was to add paid personnel to the department. 1952 the paid staff was increased to 9 personnel, the fire chief and 8 firefighters. The structure was two shifts with 4 firefighters per shift. The firefighters worked 24 hours on-duty and 24 hours off-duty. Chief Lightsey was also responsible for the replacement of the 1923 American Lafrance pumper with a 1952 Seagraves pumper. The Seagraves pumper, serial number 4120, was powered by a V-12 engine that was very peppy. The pump delivered 750 gallons per minute and the water tank had 500 gallons, which allowed more firefighting time from the water on-board the apparatus.

With the new pumper and the paid staff to respond quickly, the fire loss dropped slightly, however; there were still houses being destroyed by fire. The industrial complexes still required much more coverage than other structures in the city. This industrial growth was responsible for added value to the tax base and the lowering of the tax rate from $2.00 in 1924 to $0.71 in 1950.

Chief Lightsey was very active in fire prevention activities and started programs to inform the public about fire safety. This was coupled with a national effort. because fire deaths across the country had risen to unacceptable levels and prevention had become a priority.

Throughout the 1950's the department seemed only to stay even fire losses, and the city was still growing due to the prosperity of this era. This new growth created more burden the fire department. The water system was only marginal firefighting and in some areas fire hydrants had not been installed. There are stories about many fires that were just about extinguished, and then they would run out of water and the building would then burn to the ground.

In 1959 the City of Ennis developed a comprehensive master plan for industry. This plan included a development area, transportation corridors and improvement of the water system. This master plan aided the fire department in many ways, and impact of that plan is still felt today. Chief Lightsey was very constant throughout the 1950's and made every effort to improve the department. It should he noted that this era was probably the most difficult time period for the department as the fire load in the city was outgrowing the capabilities of the department.

Some of the major fires during this period were:

ENNIS COLORED HIGH SCHOOL - 500 E. Gilmer. 1949

MAIN & BROWN ST. - 1/2 block of buildings burned in 1949 `

LAKESIDE COUNTRY CLUB - 1958

OIL Mll.LS CO - S. Kaufman

McKEY LUMBER YARD - S. Kaufman & Brown St.

Chief Lightsey continued to serve as fire chief until June of 1960 when D. D. Day became fire chief.

A TIME FOR TRAINING

In 1960 the first elevated water storage tower was built. The water was still being pumped from many wells in the city, but the elevated storage increased the pressure and flow. This improved the water system for firefighting.

D. D. Day became fire chief in June of 1960. He came to Ennis from Houston in 1959 and served as a firefighter under Chief Lightsey. Chief Day loved firefighting and had received his experience from the Coast Guard and the Shell Oil Refinery in Deer Park, Texas.

This was a time which included the nations race for space, advancements in technology and the Viet Nam War. The fire service was also going thru a change, with the use of fog nozzles, self contained breathing apparatus, improvements in firefighter's protective clothing and the beginning of firefighting strategy and tactics being understood as a science.

Budget constraints affected the performance of firefighting all across the country. Chief Day was able to manage this challenge and begin major changes which improved the department. Although there were still major fires during this period, the fires were of the type never before faced by Ennis firefighters. The increased use of petrochemicals and plastics were being felt, and these chemicals and plastics were used in almost everything that was built, stored or sold in the city. This created many products and furnishings which burned with a higher degree of temperature and required different extinguishing agents and a new aggressive style of

firefighting.

In 1963, Chief Day wrote the specifications for a new pumper to replace the 1929 American Lafrance Pumper. The specifications were announced for bid and Central Manufacturing Company of St. Louis, Mo. received the contract to build the pumper. The pumper was to have a 750 gallon per minute pump, with a 500 gallon water tank and a hose bed which featured split loads for various hose lines.

On November 20, 1963, the 1927 American LaFrance Ladder truck threw a rod in the engine while fighting a fire at a grocery store. 0n Monday November 22, 1963, the city commission

allowed Chief Day to order an additional pumper on the current bid. The pumper was to be of the same specifications, except the pump would be 1,000 gallon per minute.

The water supply continued to improve with the addition of Lake Bardwell in 1964. This supply increased the capacity to 3.5 million gallon per day. With the new equipment and water improvements in place, Chief Day now turned to the training and discipline of the department. Chief Day loved training and was a firm believer in repetitive training methods to sharpen the firefighters skills. This training allowed the firefighters of Ennis to learn more about how fire burns and the best methods for extinguishment. His training program was successful as the competency level of each firefighter increased during this period.

There were many more challenges for Chief Day in the 1960's and 1970's. Besides training, equipment and discipline, The Texas Commission on Fire Protection Personnel Standards and Education was formed in 1971. This required that paid firefighters of municipalities in Texas, receive 335 hours of approved training before receiving a certificate. The training was mandated to be completed within the firefighters first year of employment. The volunteers were still under the Texas Firemen's and Fire Marshal's Association and the basic ` training level rose to 160 hours. This was a hard challenge to meet, since the training structure within the state was not in place and station manning was many times reduced because personnel had to be sent a great distance for training.

In 1973, Chief Day was given short notice that the funeral home would no longer supply ambulance service. Chief Day and the city commission worked to plan the replacement structure

for supplying an ambulance service. The Ennis Fire Department was to furnish the Emergency Medical Service and the Transfer Ambulance Service. This short notice required quick training

and added personnel. The training was administered as many city hall employees can attest that their vitals were taken very thirty minutes throughout the training school.

The Ennis Fire Department Ambulance Service began on June 1, 1973, with two suburban ambulances which were painted burnt orange and white. Four personnel were added to the department and shift strength was six. The volunteers were also offered training and were of great assistance in providing the new ambulance service.

The transfer ambulance service transported patients great distances, some patients were taken to Houston/Galveston area and some were taken to points in Oklahoma and Louisiana.

In 1973 the department purchased their first four wheel drive, all terrain brush and grass firefighting vehicle. This unit enabled the firefighters to fight some hard to reach grass and brush fires. This truck was rebuilt in 1987 and totally replaced in 1991. In April 1974, a third shift was added to the department. Six Firefighters were employed and the department shifts now worked 24 hours on-duty and 24 hours off-duty. This helped Chief Day manage the discipline of the department, as firefighters now had more time for their families and hobbies while they were off-duty.

In 1975 the department purchased a Boardman Pumper which was mounted on a Ford Chassis. The pumper was equipped with a 1,000 gallon per minute pump, 500 gallon water tank, split hose bed, pre-connected crosslays for attack line and a deluge monitor mounted on top of the pump area. This created a housing problem for the storage of department equipment. The fire department leased the Blackland building on S. Kaufman St. to house the additional equipment. The firefighters would go to the building daily to check the equipment. Many firefighters wanted the city to purchase the building to be used as a sub-station, which had been needed for a few years.

In 1978 Chief Day purchased a 1978 Chevrolet Van type Ambulance. This ambulance served for only two years due to electrical and engine problems. This unit was later sold to the City of Palmer.

A major accomplishment for Chief Day was the construction of fire station it 2 at 901 Martin Luther King. Chief Day knew that railroad traffic and rail-yard work often kept the eastside of the city stranded and also increased response times. On October 14. 1979, Ennis Fire Department Station # 2 was dedicated.

Chief Day commented in opening remarks "Were all very pleased with it and feel it is a great asset to our department and the city as well." To the firefighters it provided the precious minutes that were saved from the time the fire truck leaves the station until it arrives at the scene of an emergency. And for the citizens of Ennis that means if a crisis does arise, trained life saving personnel would arrive a few minutes earlier.

The addition of fire station # 2 also provide the housing for the additional equipment which was being housed at the Blackland building.

In 1980 the fire department purchased a Ford Van type ambulance to replace the Chevrolet unit. This unit remained in service until 1991.

Some of the major incidents in the l960's and l970's were:

ICE HOUSE - Northeast Main, between Belknap & Decatur, 1961

FLINTKOTE ROOFING- fire swept plant in early 60's and a major fire in 1978.

DOLLAR STORE- 100 block of Northwest Main. 1975

KJT HALL- destroyed in 1979

GIBSON HOLMAN- tank farm fire in 1980

COMPRESS WAREHOUSE - 1972

CHINESE FOOD RESTURANT - 1979

CIRCLE H BAR-B-QUE - 1977

BONITA MOTEL- 1977

RAILROAD YARD FLAMMABLE LIQUID STORAGE TANK - 1974

BRASHER HOUSE - 1979

One major fire stands out during this period which affected many people in Ennis. On Friday March 5, 1976 at 10:32 pm a fire started at the FMC Corporation Chemical Division [formerly Niagra Chemical] warehouse complex on S. Kaufman. It was a spectacular fire, the emissions, in the explosions which occurred every few minutes as containers burst into the night sky creating a mushroom cloud like small atomic blast. 600 people were evacuated from their homes, traffic was stopped on S. Kaufman and many area fire departments were called to assist as Ennis firefighters attempted to deal with this huge fire. The fire was fought well into the next day and the 1952 Seagraves damaged the pump while pumping water at this fire. The Seagraves never returned to service following this fire.

The advanced planning of this plant is credited with saving lives and containing the fire. Run-off from the site was contained and people were evacuated, however; no one was injured.

In 1981 Chief Day resigned for personal reasons and Rocky Harber was appointed fire chief. Chief Day served the city very well throughout the l960's and 1970's and can be credited with major changes which still influence the department today.

THE EARLY 1980s

In 1981 Rocky W. Harber was appointed fire chief. Chief Harber was a nine year veteran of the department and had previously been with Kleburg Fire Department in Dallas County.

Chief Harber was responsible for purchasing four pieces of apparatus during his tenure as chief.

In 1981 he purchased a 1981 Modulance Ambulance to boost the first line equipment for the Emergency Medical Service. In 1981, the GMC Grass truck suffered an engine failure and Chief Harber wrote specifications for a new brush truck. The bid was awarded to W.A. Neal Fire Equipment in West, Texas. The unit was built on a 1981 Ford Chassis and featured a separate engine driven pump which delivered 500 gallons per minute. The pump was equipped with a foam tank for foam operations. This unit was retired in 1992 and was used by the City Parks Department for several years. The water system was improved in 1979 by the addition of another elevated water tower near IH-45 and Creechville Rd.

Chief Harber began to equip the pumpers with three inch hose so they could utilized the improved water system. In 1984 Chief Harber ordered a new pumper. This was the first pumper to utilize a diesel engine and the first with a pump in excess of 1.000 gallons per minute. The pumper was delivered by American Lafrance Corporation and was built on a 1984 Ford chassis with a Detroit diesel engine. The pump delivered 1,250 gallons per minute and the water tank was 500 gallons.

In 1985 the department received a 1985 Wheel Coach ambulance which gave the department two box type ambulances and improved the first line equipment in the Emergency Medical Services.

Chief Harber was responsible for writing the first written Fire recruit test and he updated the fire department rules and regulations.

Chief Harber resigned in October of 1985 and Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Seelye was appointed as acting chief. Chief Seelye directed the department until February 1986 when David W. Hopkins was appointed fire chief.

Some of the major incidents during the early 1980's were:

AMIGOS GROCERY - 200 block of Southwest Main, 1984

TATE HOUSE - 200 block of N. McKinney St. - 1980

IOOF NURSING HOME- 1985

FLINTKOTE ROOFING - 1983

702 E. GILMER - 1983

THE PRO-ACTIVE ERA

In February 1986 David W. Hopkins was appointed as fire chief. Chief Hopkins came to Ennis from San Antonio where he had served as a Captain with Balcones Heights Fire Department.

Chief Hopkins had 18 years experience in the fire service which began in the U.S. Navy in 1968.

Chief Hopkins was a firm believer in professionalism, training and organization. His management style was one which delegated responsibility to key personnel and gave them the authority to complete the task. By using this style the firefighters of the department had more input in the direction of the department.

Chief Hopkins evaluated the department during early 1986 and as input was gained, key programs were implemented. Firefighter training, technologically advanced equipment, public fire education and standard operating procedures were the first to be implemented.

The first program was public fire education. This was done by utilizing benches with fire safety tips. These benches were placed throughout the city where they could be seen 365 days per year. This was the first of the pro-active approaches, as fire prevention could be practiced all year and not just one week in October. This was followed with fire prevention programs in churches, schools, service clubs, day care centers, nursing homes and any group that wanted the program.

The second program was to write standard operating procedures. This began in August of 1986 and the procedures were completed in March of 1987. These new procedures covered all phases of fireground command, company operations, staging, sectoring, safety, strategic plans, tactical plans and medical control. The manual contained 438 pages and was quite comprehensive, and could in fact be used as a training manual. These procedures were implemented on September 1, 1987.

The third program was to acquire new technologically advanced equipment to aid the department in fireground performance and increase the safety for the firefighters. In October 1986, Chief Hopkins began to purchase these items. Large diameter supply hose was purchased for the pumpers; this increased the flow available to the pumpers. By increasing the water supply to the pumps, 1-3/4" attack hose and automatic nozzles were purchased. This allowed the firefighters to become more productive, since the water flow per line increased from 125 GPM to 225 GPM, and the lines could still be managed by two firefighters. Personal Alert Locators were purchased and attached to the self-contained breathing apparatus. This increased the fireground safety for each firefighter. Lighter weight self-contained breathing apparatus were purchased, which reduced the fatigue of each firefighter while working on the fireground.

These first purchases aided the department in the goal to become more efficient in fire suppression and increase the safety of each firefighter. By October 1987 this goal was realized as fire loss was reduced during fiscal year 86-87 to $268,000 as compared to $531.000 in fiscal year 85-86.

In early 1987 the department purchased a used van from Mrs. Baird's Bread Co. in Dallas. This van was converted, through many months of work to a mobile communications unit and field command. This unit serves any city department which has the need for field communications. The Command unit was replaced in 2005 with a custom built Communications/Command vehicle. After this unit was completed, the 1973 International brush truck was refurbished. The tank and pump were removed and the capacity of the tank was reduced to 150 gallons. A Utility bed was installed and the tank and pump were rear-mounted. This unit remained in service as a fire and rescue vehicle until 1991.

In April 1987, Chief Hopkins began to write specifications for a new pumper/aerial tower. The specifications were completed by September of 1987 and the specifications were put out for bid. The Sutphen Corporation was awarded the contract to build this new unit in November of 1987.

The unit took 13 months to build and was driven from Columbus, Ohio to Ennis. In December of 1988 the new aerial truck arrived in Ennis. The same elation was felt by the department as it was in 1927 when the American LaFrance Ladder truck arrived. The new truck was a Sutphen TS100+ Aerial Tower. This truck was equipped with a 104 foot aerial ladder with platform. A 2,000 gallon per minute pump, 209 feet of ground ladders, and 300 gallon water tank. The hose bed held 1,500 feet of large diameter supply hose and there were two cross lays for 1-3/4" attack line. 0ther equipment added to this truck included: six self-”contained breathing apparatus, six salvage covers, a twenty-four inch engine driven positive pressure fan for ventilation, two water-vacs, axes, shovels. Pike poles, mop, brooms, hand lights, a 6 kw electric generator and rescue equipment.

Three weeks of training was performed by the department personnel. The aerial truck “Tower-9” was placed in service at 12:00 pm on January 10, 1989 and at 1:02 pm Tower 9 made

its first emergency response. Leggett & Platt had a fire in the attic portion of there plant on E. Lampasas St. Tower-9 was used to gain access to the roof portion of the building where entry was made and the fire was stopped with only $300 damage to the building. The department and city were very happy with the performance, as Tower 909 had already proved its worth to the department

In October 1987, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Seelye resigned. and Harold Markham Jr. was appointed Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal in December of 1987. Asst. Chief Markham was a 13 year veteran with Ennis Fire Department and had previously served as Captain. Asst. Chief Markham was instrumental in beginning programs to improve the inspection practices and fire code inspections of buildings throughout the city. These programs blended well with the pro-active approach of the department.

Under the direction of Chief Hopkins and Asst. Chief Markham, the department formed an Arson Task Force in May of 1988. This task force was formed to deal with a growing arson problem which was occurring at that tine. The task force was formed through training of personnel in all phases of arson and law enforcement, and today there are 7 fully commissioned arson investigators serving as members of the task force. This task force is now under the direction of the Fire Marshal. The task force was successful during their first year as five people were arrested and indicted for arson.

Today there are many successful programs that the fire department has implemented that have a major impact on the fire safety of the city and the skills of the fire department personnel. Some of these programs are: pre-fire planning of business and industrial buildings, company in-service fire inspections, standardized operations training, public fire education programs, computerized fire reporting, college fire degree incentive, continuing education in emergency medicine and fire suppression, assessment center testing for promotions and the use of an incident command system.

The Ennis Fire Department currently has a staff of professionals that are dedicated to protecting the citizens of Ennis. The City of Ennis will continue to grow, and the department will continue to be a part of that growth. We must remember the past and those dedicated firefighters that guided the department through the first 105 years, therefore; we are bound by tradition to PROTECT THE PAST. .. AND PLAN THE FUTURE.