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Community of LeRoy
Fire Department
McLean County, Illinois

(Transcribed by: Teri Moncelle Colglazier)

Prior to 1874 the only fire fighting equipment was a hose cart, hand pumper and bucket brigade. There were several large cisterns in the business district which could be used for water supply in case of fire. In 1875 it was felt the city needed better fire protection so a committee of three aldermen were appointed to investigate the cost of purchasing a hook and ladder fire extinguisher. After several meetings it was decided to purchase a Champion complete with the latest hook ladders, hose and pumper. The cost was $1750, $800 to be paid on delivery and balance to be paid in 18 months with interest at 8%. When the final payment came due the treasurer was short $300 in the treasury to complete the payment. This had to be borrowed locally and the interest was 10%. Finances were quite different then and now. An ordinance was passed in 1892 requiring all roofs on building within the original fire limits be constructed of some kind of fireproof material and buildings in certain blocks in business area be of brick or stone. In 1895 the fire department was composed of 30 members and a chief. The apparatus consisted of a chemical engine, 2 hose carts, and a hand engine. The fire bell was placed on the engine house in June, 1895. In 1925 the first fire siren was purchased. Prior to this a large bell was used to sound the alarm. A new fire truck was delivered in November, 1938. It was the first 1939 model that the Boyer Fire Apparatus Company of Logansfwrt, Ind. sold. It was one of the best and latest equipped in the state. Known as a 500-gallon per minute triple combination engine, it had a centrifuge type pump, 100-gallon booster tank, 150 ft. of booster hose with shut-off nozzle, 52 feet of ladders, siren (flasher type), searchlight, rear standard lamp together with front standard flasher type light, two hand searchlights, two three-gallon pump cans, 13-gallon foaming extinguisher, fire axe and crowbar, and a pike pole. The fire engine was demonstrated at the City Park before a large gathering of townspeople who viewed the operation with a greater sense of security against fire and with just civic pride. At one time, under 150 pounds pressure, two streams from 2-1/2 inch hose and a stream from the 1-1/2 inch hose were thrown about 100 ft. high and clear across the park. Fire Chief Don Jones with the other members of the volunteer department were on hand and took their first lesson in operating the apparatus. Seeing the fine equipment, old-timers were reminded of the crude fire fighting equipment of other days, as the bucket brigade, some cisterns up-town, and a manpower force pump, later the water system and the hose cart drawn by hand, then the hose and ladder wagon drawn by horses. LeRoy now has one of the finest fire departments in the state. It is equipped with the latest equipment. The department is maintained by a fire district and tax levy which encompasses more than 80 sections. Due to the fine fire department LeRoy enjoys a lower fire insurance rate than many communities. [Heritage of the prairie : a history of LeRoy and of Empire and West townships, McLean County, Illinois (1976) LeRoy Historical Society; LeRoy Bi-Centennial Commission]

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