The Ireland Fire Department

     In the early days of Ireland when there was a fire it was usually a total loss.  All Ireland had was what is called a "bucket brigade".  This was handing buckets of water by hand from person to person in a so-called chain.  Empty buckets were returned the same way.

     Ireland had lost several buildings to "fire-bugs" in the 1800's and early 1900's.  The flour mill was rebuilt twice, however it was burnt down three times.  The flour mill never recovered from the total losses.  As many as eight business are reported to have been burnt!  There were also several home and farm barn fires in the general area.  This had a crippling effect on the early growth of the small community.

    It was not until the 1940's when a small device was purchased by Bartley's Store that Ireland had any fire protection on wheels.  The device was pulled by hand or by small truck and was mostly for the store's own protection.  A large fire might have been attended to by the Jasper Fire Department.  This event would have depended on the time of day and the vicinity of the fire.

    In 1960 the Madison Township Fire Department, located on Main Street in Ireland, was established to be of service to the Ireland Community and the surrounding area.

     The first meeting of the Madison Township Fire Department was on December 7, 1960. The minutes of that meeting are as follows:

The meeting was held at Ireland High School.  Meeting was opened by Joe Wehr, who was appointed chief by Levi Leinenbach, trustee, and Romould Mundy, John Pfaff and Linus Schmitt all members of the advisory board of Madison Township.

Fire Chief C.P. Berger told us about the Jasper Department.  Their system of satisfying the members in case of fire.  The telephone operator calls each of them.  He also explained the different types of fires and what equipment to use.

At this meeting Felix Mundy was elected assistant chief and Bernard Wigand was named Secretary/Treasurer.

Ways of people to use in reporting a fire was discussed. Calls should come to either Bartley's Store or D-T Auto Service between the hours of 7am and 5pm.  At night, Sundays and holidays to call first firemen that can be reached.

List of Charter Members: Joe Wehr, Felix Mundy, Ben Mundy, Carl Mundy, Bernard Wigand, Norbert Dick, Basil Kunkel and Norbert Auffart.

    The newly organized fire department moved into the new fire station on January 5, 1961 with one truck. The following year a tanker truck was purchased. Joe Wehr had served as chief from 1960-1972. Bernard Wigand then became chief from 1972-1974. 

     Plans had been made in 1974 to add onto the building.  The addition was completed, this doubling the original size of the fire station.  Mike Schmitt became fire chief (1974-1980).  There were 12 members at this time. A 4x4 pickup was purchased to help fight field fires.

    Tom Mundy (1980-2001) was elected fire cheif.  Equipment added was a FMC Pumper Truck, a new 2300 gallon tanker replaced the old 1000 gallon tanker.  In 1988 began with 8 members qualifing for Ireland First Responders, the 4x4 truck was equipped with a new utility truck to carry the first responder equipment.  In 1988 the fire station underwent extensive remodeling.  There were 14 members in 1988.

    In 2003, the fire department now has 20 firefighters which includes, 3 basic EMT's and 12 first responders.  Their equipment included 5 trucks, which are, 2 pumpers, 1 tanker, 1 brush & 1rescue truck.  This equipment is up to date equipment.  Stan Siefert (2001) is the departments 5th & present chief.

    Over the span of 40+ years, 48 men have served in the fire department.  Other than the charter members they include: Mike Schmitt, Rich Freyberger, Gary Schmitt, Ron Hulsman, Sylvester Boehm, Donald Steinhart, John Rudolph, Tom Schmitt, Doug Schnaus, Mike Schwenk, Mike Buetel, Jason Terwiske, Ralph Hopf, Wilford Chanley, Chad Fleck, Bruce Beckman, Derek Stephen, Josh Wehr, Chris Heim, Mike Renner, Scott Renner, Brian Gehlhausen, Scott Schnell, Ron Schroeder, Stan Siefert, E.G. Bartley, Kurt Bleemel, Andy Schwenk, Craid Greulich, Josh Himsel, Brad Werner, Scott Schnaus, Phil Gogel, Tom Mundy, Kurt Rohleder, Mike Hanselman and Brian Hoffman.  Ron Schroeder has the longest tenure to date, 32 years.

     We of the public must remember that all members past and present were and are volunteers.   Webster describes volunteers as "a person who chooses freely to serve in a capacity without pay". This volunteer department is highly efficient and continually, as funds permit, updates their equipment and training!

 

to be continued