Department History

   

~ HISTORY ~

1928

The Chatham Fireman's Association was formed on the 27th day of February of 1928. The Office of the Secretary of State in Illinois certified that the Chatham Fireman's Association was a legally organized Corporation under the laws of the State of Illinois on the 19th day of March 1928.

The by-laws were written, passed, approved and recorded on the 7th day of May 1928. Everett Cary became the first Fire Chief of the Chatham Fireman's Association and remained in this position for 21 years until May of 1949. The firefighter's of the day met in what was known as Woodman Hall. The equipment at that time consisted of one engine, one ladder, 800' of fire hose, 3 lengths of suction hose, lanterns, wrenches, nozzles, buckets, flash light, crow bar, fire pole, fire extinguisher, fire coats, boots and hats. They responded the fire truck from Cary's Garage where they rented storage space for it.

The firefighter's of this era were called to the firehouse by way of a siren that was mounted on the top of the 125' water tower located in the square across from Cary's Garage.

1932

1934

1949

On the 8th of March of 1949, a petition was filed to establish and fix the boundaries of the proposed Chatham Community Fire Protection District.

In May of 1949, Lester Wiley became the second Fire Chief and remained in this position for 15 years until June of 1964. 

1954

During Chief Wiley's tenure the Department began construction of the first permanent Fire Station on State street in Chatham, Illinois in 1954.

1956

The Chatham Community Fire Protection District  and the Chatham Fireman's Association penned an Agreement for the District to pay the Chatham Fireman's Association for its services in rendering aid on each occasion that a fire should occur using the firefighting equipment and supplies of the District in their response. Thus the two parties began to mutually promote the prevention and control of fire in the area of the Chatham Community Fire Protection District.

1964

In June of 1964, Chas Nickelson became the third Fire Chief and was elected for a period of 30 days, while Russell Cloyd considered accepting the position. In July of 1964, Russell Cloyd became the fourth Fire Chief and remained in this position until February of 1978.

At this time, the District had a 1937 Chevy Pumper, 1949 Pumper, and a Water Tanker.

1965

An ordinance creating and establishing the Chatham Fire Department within the Chatham Community Fire Protection District was approved by then President of said Board of Trustees of the Chatham Community Fire Protection District, Chris Jacobs on the 21st day of July, 1965.

The District purchased a 1966 Pumper.

1978

In February of 1978, Dick Estill became the fifth Fire Chief of the Department and remained until March of 1979. Under Chief Estill's tenure the Chatham Emergency Squad was formed within the Chatham Fire Department. The Chatham Emergency Squad members were the first members of the Department to begin carrying pagers. Eventually, all fire department members began to carry pagers. This system of notifying firefighters is still in use today. The pager system replaced what was known as fire phones, which were strategically located throughout the community to notify firefighters. There were seven of these phones. The individual who was taking the call would then begin calling other firefighters.

In July the Chatham Fire Protection District welcomed Don Butler to the Board of Trustees.

1979

In March of 1979, Gerald Hughes became the sixth Fire Chief of the Department and remained until June of 1984.

1980

In the early 80's the full length rubber coats and knee high boots were phased out completely. The Department went to the personal protective equipment as we know it today.

1984

Gerard "Ardie" Baulos became the seventh Fire Chief for the Department in June of 1984 and remained until June of 1989.

1989

Michael Branham became the eighth Fire Chief for the Department in June of 1989 and remained in that position until June of 1992.

1991

In June of 1991, the Chatham Fire Department took possession of Tanker 1 which was manufactured by SEMO Fire Equipment Company. In October of 1991 the Department took possession of Engine 1 which was manufactured by E-One Fire Apparatus bringing the number of engine's for the Department at the time up to four.

1992

In June of 1992, Gerald Hughes was elected for a second term as Fire Chief and became the ninth Fire Chief for the Department. He remained until June 1994. Chief Hughes has the distinction of being the only individual to be elected twice to the position of Fire Chief.

1993

The Fire Safety House construction was completed. This made a strong educational tool available for the Department to use in its continuing effort to educate the community on fire prevention and awareness.

1994

In February of 1994, the Chatham Community Fire Protection District purchased the parcel known as block 17 in the Village of Chatham which was to be the future site of our current fire station. In June of 1994, Bruce Osborne was elected as the tenth Fire Chief of the Department.

1996

In November of 1996, the Chatham Fire Department took possession of Squad 1 from EVI manufacturing.

In July, the Chatham Fire Protection District welcomed Mike Branham to the Board of Trustees. Mr. Branham replaced Ivan McBride who resigned.

1997

In September of 1997, the Chatham Community Fire Protection District broke ground on the existing Fire Station. In November of 1997, the Department placed Brush 1 into service a 1993 former military Humvee.

1998

Chief Osborne became the first Fire Chief to be appointed by the Chatham Community Fire Protection District, thus removing the election of the Fire Chief from the Chatham Fire Department membership.

1999

In April of 1999, Chief Osborne became the first paid Fire Chief of the Chatham Fire Protection District. This same month the Chatham Fire Department moved into it present facility. Chief Osborne then saw the hiring of additional personnel in June and July of 1999.  This was necessary for the next step in history. In July of 1999, the Chatham Fire Department purchased a McCoy Miller Ambulance, 3F28, and became an ILS transport agency.

2001

In February of 2001, the Chatham Community Fire Protection District took possession of Truck 1, a 2000 E-ONE Cyclone II 95ft Custom Aerial Platform. The apparatus was purchased through Banner Fire Equipment.

2002

In November of 2002, the residents of the Village of Chatham and the surrounding community supported a tax referendum for an ambulance taxing district. This tax increase to the community will support the purchase of an additional ambulance and hiring of more manpower in the future.

2003

In May of 2003, the Chatham Community Fire Protection District took possession of 3F29, a 2001 McCoy/Miller Ambulance from Sullivan Fire Protection District to use as a second run ambulance.

The Chatham Fire Department was the recipient of a FEMA Grant this year. The Chatham Fire Department received over $110,000.00 in funds under this program to purchase 31 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus', a Computer System and a SCBA Mask Fit Tester.

The Chatham Community Fire Protection District completed it's testing process for Firefighter / EMT positions with the District. On November 3, 2003, the Chatham Community Fire Protection District hired six additional full-time staff members, bringing the total of full-time personnel to nine.

On November 9, 2003, the Chatham Fire Department began 24-hour a day full-time staffing. The full time staff is supplemented by a very dedicated group of twenty-two volunteer Firefighter's and Emergency Medical Technician's.

On December 17, 2003, at 0700 hours the Chatham Fire Department began providing Advanced Life Support to the residents of the Chatham Fire Protection District. This marked an important milestone in Emergency Medical Services for the Chatham Fire Department.

2004

The Chatham Fire Department was the recipient of a FEMA Grant this year. The Chatham Fire Department received funds under this program to purchase pagers, portable radios, and vehicle radios.

The Chatham Fire Department hired Dawn Sanchez as the Chatham Fire Protection District Administrative Assistant, bringing the number of personnel employed by the Chatham Fire Protection District full-time to ten.

In May, 12 Firefighters completed a Vehicle / Machinery Operations course through OSFM.

In June, Bruce Osborne assumed the position of Assistant Chief of the Chatham Fire Department. Bruce Osborne was Fire Chief for 11 years from June of 1994 through June of 2005.

The Chatham Fire Protection District Trustees authorized the purchase of a Ford F550 chassis for the new brush truck that will eventually replace Engine 4.

On October 1st, the Chatham Fire Protection District appointed Philip G. Schumer as the eleventh Fire Chief of the Chatham Fire Department.  

The Chatham Fire Department became the site of an American Heart Association Training Center.

The Chatham Fire Department was the recipient of a FEMA Grant this year. The Chatham Fire Department received funds under this program to purchase new helmets, bunker gear, and wildland gear.

In December, the Chatham Fire Department purchased the Department's first Thermal Imaging Camera from Towers Apparatus Company. The Chatham Fire Department purchased an MSA 5200 Thermal Imager.

2006

 

The Chatham Fire Protection District took delivery of 2006 Ford Precision Tank Brush Truck. Brush 2 will now be the primary unit to respond to brush and field fires.

 

The Chatham Fire Protection District Trustees authorized the purchase of a Sterling Medium Duty Chassis for a new Horton Ambulance. This unit will be in addition to 3F28, and 3F29.

 

The Chatham Fire Protection District purchased a MSA Multi-Gas Detector to enhance the capabilities of the department and replace an older smaller unit.

 

The Chatham Fire Protection District was the recipient of a FEMA Grant this year. The Chatham Fire Department received funds under this program to purchase a new SCBA fill station, cascade system, and compressor.

 

In February and June the Chatham Fire Protection District hired four additional full-time staff members, bringing the total of full-time personnel to 14. The full time staff is supplemented by a dedicated group of volunteer Firefighter's and Emergency Medical Technician's.

 

In November the Chatham Community Fire Protection District Board of Fire Commissioners was established.

 

2007

The Chatham Community Fire Protection District took delivery of 2007 Medium Duty Horton Ambulance. This ambulance designated as 3F27 will now be the primary ALS ambulance.

The Chatham Fire Protection District Trustees authorized the purchase of an E-One Rescue Pumper. The new engine will be delivered in early 2008. The apparatus was purchased through Banner Fire Equipment.

The Chatham Community Fire Protection District received a grant from State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Charitable Contribution Program and local State Farm Agent Steve Bedford contributed funds toward the purchase of BullEx Digital Safety's BullsEye Fire Extinguisher Training System.

The Chatham Community Fire Protection District established an Explorer Post. Post 1928 meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month.

The Chatham Community Fire Protection District hosted the biannual open house. We would like to recognize the outside agencies that participated: Secretary of State Police Bomb Squad, Illinois State Police Motorcycle Unit, Chatham Police Department, Illinois Air National Guard 183rd Fighter Wing Fire Department, Air Evac Lifeteam.

Chatham Community Fire Protection District Board of Fire Commissioners began the process for a new eligibility list. The departments intent is to bring on additional personnel for the fiscal year 2009.

The Chatham Community Fire Protection District was evaluated by the Insurance Services Organization (ISO) and the departments new rating from ISO is 4/8B. This is an increase from our previous rating of 4/9. The Chatham Community Fire Protection District because of its urban and rural areas receives a split public protection classification from ISO. Class 1 represents an exemplary fire suppression program, while class 10 indicates a fire suppression program that does not meet the ISO minimum criteria. Chatham's urban public protection classification is a Class 4 while its rural area is a Class 8B. Class 8b is a special classification that recognizes a superior level of fire protection in otherwise class 9 rural areas.

2008

The Chatham Fire Protection District Trustees placed Engine 3 into service. The new E-One Rescue Pumper was purchased through Banner Fire Equipment.

The Chatham Fire Protection District Trustees sold Squad 1. Squad 1 was sold by auction to the Peacham Volunteer Fire Department in Peacham, VT.

The Chatham Fire Protection District Trustees purchased land on Palm Rd. for the proposed second station and training facility.

The Chatham Fire Protection District created a new position within the department. Dave Volkert was appointed in April as the first Chaplain for the Chatham Fire Protection District. 

In May, Mike Branham resigned from the Chatham Fire Protection District Board of Trustees. Mr. Branham served as Trustee for twelve years from 1996-2008.

In June, Don Butler retired from the Chatham Fire Protection District Board of Trustees. Mr. Butler served on the board for 30 years as Trustee from 1978-2008. Mr. Butler had forty-one and a half years of service to the Chatham Fire Protection District as a Firefighter/EMT and Trustee.

In June the Chatham Fire Protection District welcomed Gerald Hughes to the Board of Trustees.

In October the Chatham Fire Protection District welcomed Gary Mueller to the Board of Trustees.

Steve Sullivan remained as President of the Chatham Fire Protection District Board of Trustees, Gerald Hughes assumed the position of Secretary and Gary Mueller assumed the position of Treasurer.

The Chatham Fire Protection District received a grant from Knights Action Park, Fireman's Fund Insurance and  Beckman's Insurance for funds toward the purchase of Genesis Extrication Equipment. With the purchase of this equipment it gives the department a total of three sets of extrication equipment.

 In October the Chatham Community Fire Protection District hired five additional full-time staff members, bringing the total of full-time personnel to eighteen, seventeen sworn personnel and one civilian. The full time staff is supplemented by a very dedicated group of seventeen volunteer Firefighter's, Emergency Medical Technician's and a chaplain.

2009

 In March, Steve Sullivan retired from the Chatham Fire Protection District Board of Trustees.

In April, the Chatham Fire Protection District welcomed George Perkins to the Board of Trustees.

Gerald Hughes assumed the position of President of the Chatham Fire Protection District Board of Trustees, George Perkins assumed the position of Secretary and Gary Mueller assumed the position of Treasurer.

The Chatham Fire Protection District Trustees sold Engine 4. Engine 4 was sold by auction to a collector in New York.

 

The Chatham Fire Protection District Trustees authorized the purchase of a Freightliner Medium Duty Chassis for a new Horton Ambulance. This unit will replace 3F29.

 

The Chatham Community Fire Protection District hosted the biannual open house. We would like to recognize the outside agencies that participated: M.A.B.A.S. Division 48, Illinois State Police Motorcycle Unit, Chatham Police Department, Illinois Air National Guard 183rd Fighter Wing Fire Department.

 

The Chatham Community Fire Protection District took delivery of 2009 Medium Duty Horton Ambulance. This ambulance designated as 3F29 will now be the primary ALS ambulance.

 

The Chatham Fire Protection District Trustees authorized the purchase of a Ford F550 chassis for the new brush truck that will eventually replace Brush 1.

James G. Gerberding has chosen to retire from the Chatham Fire Department after 32-years and 3-months of service. Firefighter/FR Gerberding joined the Chatham Fire Department and has been serving the Chatham Fire Protection District since June 14, 1977. During his years with the Chatham Fire Department, he has held the rank of Firefighter/EMT and Captain. Gerberding retired on September 23, 2009. He was presented with an engraved bronze classic firefighter’s axe with a Maltese cross emblem representing the fire service accented with a traditional collage of firefighting tools.

 

 

 

 2010

Gerald M. Hughes has chosen to retire from the Chatham Fire Department after 39-years of service. Firefighter/FR Hughes joined the Chatham Fire Department and has been serving the Chatham Fire Protection District since January 12, 1971. During his years with the Chatham Fire Department, he has held the rank of Firefighter/EMT and Captain. He also held the position of Fire Chief from 1979 to 1984 and from 1992 to 1994. He was appointed to theChatham Fire Protection District Board of Trustees in June, 2008. Hughes is retiring on January 12, 2010. He was presented with an engraved bronze classic firefighter’s axe with a Maltese cross emblem representing the fire service accented with a traditional collage of firefighting tools. He will remain in his position of President on the Chatham Fire Protection District Board of Trustees.