A Look Back at the History of the Grayslake Fire Department

Reading about history in books, newspapers and magazines is one way to be informed of what happened years ago, but experiencing it up close is a more exciting method of learning.

Such is the case with the history of the Grayslake Fire Department. The history can be read about in books and on line, but it can be experienced and almost relived in the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, where firefighting equipment and pictures of the past bring the dangerous and important role of the firefighters to life.

The Annex behind the Heritage Center and Museum houses the larger items of the museum collection including Wilbur, a 1954 former Grayslake Fire Department truck that after many years of service retired to the Annex. It is a major attraction of both young and old. The bright red engine, owned and maintained by the Grayslake Historical Society, is complete with ladders, hoses, pumps and other firefighting equipment that can be enjoyed and studied by Annex visitors.

Wilbur's body was built by the Grayslake Fire Equipment Company owned by Kenneth Poehler at 122 Center St. in Grayslake.

The Annex is also home to a fire department hand pumper, hoses, axes, pikes and other smaller tools and equipment used to fight fires.

In the Heritage Center and Museum's permanent gallery, "Embracing Change: the Growth of Grayslake," a large panel complete with pictures and some artifacts traces the history of the Grayslake Fire Department that was organized Dec. 26, 1899 with 51 members. The first chief was G. M. Fitch.

The devastating fire at the Wilbur Lumber Company in 1899 was one of several reasons for the formation of the fire department.

Among the historical fire department highlights during the years, as recorded by the department on its website, are:

• The first dance was held in early winter 1901. In 1921, the first St. Patrick's Day dance was held. It became an annual event and fundraiser. The final St. Patrick's Day dance was held in 1994. Future dances were canceled because of concerns about the serving of alcohol.
• First big fire was Feb. 2, 1902 at Gardinier's livery barn. Only hand pumpers were used.
• On Sept. 14, 1904, the first uniforms were purchased for the firefighters.
• In October 1910 it was decided to pay firemen 50 cents per hour on fire calls; soon after it was raised to $1 per hour.
• In 1927 group insurance was purchased to cover men on duty.
• The Grayslake Fire Department was incorporated and registered on April 2, 1940.
• First aid instruction was given by the American Red Cross for the first time on May 7, 1940.
• On Pearl Harbor Day in 1941 the foundation was poured for a new fire station on the west side of the village hall. Cost was $2,000.
• McMillen Day was held in June 1949, celebrating Chief A.A. McMillen's 50 years as a Grayslake fireman.
• In June 1952, a radio alarm system with individual receivers was installed in members' homes; a transmitter was installed in the gelatin factory; and mobile transmitters were installed in two trucks. Cost was $2,386.
• A fire station addition consisting of three bays and washroom facilities was constructed in April 1953. Cost was $14,100 with volunteer labor.
• An addition to the rear of the fire station was built in May to be shared with the village, which shared the cost.
• Wilbur Lumber Company burned on New Years Eve 1955. Six fire departments responded. Fire loss was estimated at $250,000.
• Damage was set at $850,000 for the Burgess Vibrocrafters fire on New Years Day 1959. Four fire departments responded.
• A new siren was installed at the village hall by Civil Defense and the village at a cost of $3,500.
• In May 1966, the fire department won first place in the commercial truck competition at the Lake County Firemen's Association Convention in Wauconda.
• In 1964, the paramedic program was instituted.
• The Grayslake Fire Protection District as formed in 1976.
• In 1981, Don Mobley became the first full-time fire department employee working days. He was named fire chief in 1994.
• In 1990, 24-hour shifts started, providing proection 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Fire Chief R.S. (Jim) Rockenbach retired as chief in 1994 after 48 years with the department.
• In 2004, fire station No. 2 opened, improving fire and paramedic crew response times to the eastern portion of the fire district.
• Fire Chief Don Mobley retires in 2008 after 29 years of service. John Christian appointed fire chief.
• On May 7, 2012, fire station No. 3 opened, improving fire and paramedic crew response times to the southern portion of the fire district.
• In 2012, the Grayslake Fire Protection District employed 38 full-time employees. Supplementing the full-time employees were 30 part-time trained personnel.

Much more fire department history can be read in the Grayslake Historical Society's book, Grayslake: A Historical Portrait, available at the museum's gift shop. Additional historical facts can be found online from the Grayslake Fire Department website.

During the national travelling exhibition the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake is open additional hours. Special hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m., and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Regular hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and during downtown community events, including the Farmers' Market.

—Contributed by the Grayslake Historical Society.