FIRE DEPARTMENT
"A look in the past" - Continued - Page 3
Many things have occurred during this period of time. the following is a very brief outline of some of the highlights.
The years from 1970 to 1980 were considered the boom time. Population in 1970 was 3, 658 growing to 8,102 in 1980. Shortley after the election of the fire department officers in 1975, it became clear to Chief Baxter that the volunteer personnel could not provide adequate fire and ambulance service to the increased population. Efforts between Chief Baxter, the City Manager and the City Council to start the process of hiring paid personnel. The first paid man was hired in October, 1977. This employee worked from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m., five days per week. At best, this only provided someone to basically check the equipment to make sure everything was ready for an emergency. Response during the day was bad because of the limited personnel being in town because most were employed in Fort Worth.
The second paid man was employed in January, 1978 which provided two people at the station during the day 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. This improved responses greatly during the day and until the majority of the volunteers returned to the City after work.
The first paid Fire Chief was hired in August, 1978. Then on October 1, 1979 with the employment of additional personnel, shift work started. Two men per shift (fire departments work on 3 shift increments, ie. A shift, B shift, C shift) working 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off duty provided protection to this City.
Fire Station #2 open March 28, 1988 which put men and equipment in the Walnut Creek area where a large portion of the homes in Mansfield are constructed. Also by having Station #2 open, it put equipment and personnel on the other side of the railroad tracks which in time past because of trains going through town we have been delayed in reaching the scene of an emergency.
During 1988 a ladder truck was added to the fire department fleet which increased our defenses greatly.
The Administrative Office Building which is occupied by the administrative personnel was opened March 3, 1990. This facility allowed for expanded work areas for these people.
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