History & Heritage
1950
July 28, 1950
The Channahon Fire Department was established on July 28th 1950. The first five trustees were:
– John N. Westerveld
– Steve Rittof
– John J. Dollinger
– Robert J. Lamping
– Lawrence R. Jeffery
August 31, 1950
The first five officers were elected on August 31, 1950:
– Steve Rittof as Fire Chief
– Everett McCoy as Fire Assistant
– L.W. Piercy as Second Assistant
– Maurice Frederick as Captain
– Charles Crawford as Lieutenant
1951
1951
First Building Constructed
The first building began construction in 1951 at the intersection of Center and Jessup.
1965
1965
Fire Protection Vehicles Purchased
The Fire Protection District purchased three fire protection vehicles in 1965.
1978
1978
Dive Team Established
The Fire Protection District established the rescue dive team.
New Station Opened
New station located at 24929 Center Street opened
1981
1981
Ambulance Unit Created
1985
1985
First Full-Time EMT-I Hired
The first full-time EMT-I’s were hired working eight (8) hour shifts.
1995
1995
First Full-Time Paramedics Hired
First full-time paramedics were hired to work twenty-four hour shifts.
2000
2000
First Full-Time Fire Chief
David Riddle was hired as the District’s first full-time Fire Chief.