Fire Department celebrates 100 years as non-volunteer force
The Madison Fire Department begins its second 100 years as a fully paid career fire department Tuesday, changing from a volunteer department on July 1, 1908.
To commemorate the event, Fire Chief Debra Amesqua commissioned a lapel pin worn by firefighters fashioned after the insignia worn 100 years ago.
"The fire service takes great pride in its history and volunteer origins," Amesqua said. "The many individuals who recognized the need and stepped in to fill it deserve our gratitude."
Amesqua said the transition to a fully paid career department 100 years ago after about 70 years of volunteer crews gave Madison better equipped and better trained firefighters.
"Though firefighting remains an inherently dangerous profession, the transition was a huge step in managing that danger," she said.
The Madison Fire Department covers about 77 square miles through its 11 stations for a city with about 220,000 residents, plus provides mutual aid to the Madison metropolitan area that has another 230,000 residents.
The department has almost 70 firefighters on duty every day staffing and operating nine engine companies, four ladder companies and seven advanced life support ambulances staffed by paramedics.
The department also has a hazardous incident team, a lake rescue team and a high angle/confined space rescue team.
About 325 commissioned and non-commissioned personnel work for the department.
