The Platte Valley Fire Protection District found its beginning nearly 100 years ago when
a group of men decided to band together to fight fires in the area.
We've come a long way since then, developing mechanically
and didactically to meet the modern demands of professional fire and rescue response.
The following is a timeline of the history that has
brought us to where we are today: |
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1909 - The first bucket wagon was built and
donated by George Mortimer and his father. Originally it had wooden spoke wheels and
leather buckets. The wheels were later changed to have rubber on them so they could
be pulled by a vehicle.
Hose carts were also used for fire fighting in the
early times. One place known to have stored a cart was in the garage of the old hotel.
1910 - A small fire occurred in Johnson's
Pool Hall.
1913 - Warnings from the fire department to
residents: stop dumping ashes in the alleys as they are a fire hazard. This continued to
be a problem for many years.
1921 - A hose cart (hanging in the current
fire station) was purchased from the Greeley Fire Department for $75.
1933 - All fire hydrants and water lines freeze
due to a cold winter.
1935 - Moffat hose purchased from Greeley for
the fire department at a cost of $.55 per foot. 500 feet were purchased and an additional
250 feet of hose was purchased in August.
1941 - The E.T. Inderlied Building is declared
a fire menace and nuisance to the town. McConnell paid the taxes and demolished the building.
1945 - Firehouse rent remained at $30/year.
1947 - A fire truck was to be purchased from
the War Surplus Assets Board for $1350.
1950 - The fire department sponsored the
town ice skating pond.
1952 - Two smoke masks are purchased for the
fire department at a cost of $4.50 per mask.
1953 - Fire fighter's insurance coverage cost $139.
1954 - The Platte Valley Fire Protection
District was formed. According to the minutes taken at the first meeting, the board
was comprised of Gilbert Danley, Fred C. Herbst, George Jurgens, George Morgan, and Alfred
Peters. The legal representative was S. Robert Houchins. The tax levee in October 1954
was 2.25 mills.
It was also decided this year that the fire department
will pay for its own insurance.
1955 - The first fire apparatus was a GMC truck
ordered in 1954 and delivered in 1955. Following closely behind were the first rescue
units, which were a converted bread truck and a converted Ford Hearse.
The first fire station was built in 1955 and is
located where the Kersey Library is now.
1956 - The fire department attends a
contest in Ault and brings home numerous trophies.
1957 - No Parking signs were required in front
of the fire station. The fire district furnished the signs and the town installed them.
1960 - In the mid 1960's a dispute arose
between the Kersey Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad and the Platte
Valley Fire Protection District and they separated, but both continued to provide protection.
1961 - The fire department struggled to survive
due to political issues within the department. A joint meeting was held where it was decided
the the number of members living outside the city limits could not exceed 50% of the
total membership. The Platte Valley Fire Protection District board will regulate the
Kersey Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad.
The fire department was granted permission to
move the fire alert siren from the water tower to the town hall.
1967 - The fire department purchases their
own siren and wants to place it on the second level of the water tower. The town and
fire department signals will have a different pitch.
1969 - Fire department funding is investigated.
It is determined that the town cannot allocate any town money to the department in
accordance with state laws.
The Rescue Squad receives funds for a new ambulance
from federal grant money if supported by the town. The town agrees and the ambulance
is purchased.
The fire department uses $6,000 for an ambulance,
$500 for radio equipment, and $2,500 to go to the town municipal building.
1970 - After many meetings and deliberations
were held, the KVFD&RS and PVFPD decided to join back together (early 70's).
The mid 70's brought discussions and plans for a new station.
The fire department and Town of Kersey contract to
house fire apparatus and hold meetings at the municipal building at no cost.
1973 - The Greeley Fire Department would like
to store a fire wagon in Kersey for safe keeping. However, ordinance would prohibit its
removal from Kersey town limits.
1974 - The fire department purchases one
acre in Sandy Knolls, but hoped to find a better location in town.
1975 - In October 1975, Mrs. Marvin (Sandy)
Wakeman became the first woman to join the fire department.
1976 - Construction of the new fire station began.
The plans and construction of the new fire station called for the sale of the old fire
station to the Kersey Lumber Yard.
The cost of the new fire station was greatly reduced
by volunteers. By April 7th, 1977 there had been 1163 hours of donated labor on the
new station.
1977 - The Kersey Volunteer Fire Department &
Rescue Squad starts Kersey Day.
1978 - The Platte Valley Fire Protection District
holds an open house at the new fire station on April 9th. The station had actually been
occupied since August of 1977, but interior finishing work was still being completed.
1979 - The Platte Valley Fire Protection District
Board of Directors request that Kersey Police personnel do not respond to rescue calls unless
proper protective clothing is worn.
First Civil Defense Test in March. The siren will
sound from the water tower.
1981 - The National Standards Fire Code was
adopted by the KVFD&RS/PVFPD.
1991 - New Highway 34 completed (Highway 34
was originally built back in 1932).
1998 - Due to serious internal issues, the PVFPD
Board of Directors adopt new Standard Operation Procedures and eliminate the Kersey
Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad in its entirety.
It was decided that the department will now operate
solely as the Platte Valley Fire Protection District. New standards are implemented
and new personnel are accepted and instated.
Tender 3 is purchased from A&W Water.
2000 - Rescue 1 is refurbished by SVI
Trucks in Loveland, CO.
2002 - Engine 2 is refurbished by SVI
Trucks in Loveland, CO.
2004 - Mill levy increase issue brought
to voters. Additional revenue generated would be used to hire daytime personnel.
The issue failed by 2 votes.
2005 - Tender 1 & 2 are sold. A new brush
truck and tender are purchased (designated Brush 2 and Tender 1).
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