Fire Department

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 911

In May, 1925, twenty young men formed the Munster Volunteer Fire Department, and elected Leonard Blink as Fire Chief.  The Towns population was approximately 800.  Their equipment consisted of a wooden hose cart with three hundred feet of hose, pulled by a members Model-T Ford.  Grass fires were frequent, but Munster's first major fire was a home at the corner of Forest and Adelaide.  Unfortunately the home was consumed by the fire.  The method of communication was made by telephone.  The operator would call the Chief in the event of a fire.  The Chief, or his wife, would in turn call three firemen, and they, or their wives, would call three more firemen until all were notified.  The Towns first fire engine, a pumper on a Dodge chasis, was purchased two years later for $3,555.00.  1929 brought another change to the Department, the members were paid $1.00 per hour while on duty at a fire. 

Today, the Munster Fire Department operates out of three fire stations with five fire engines and one tower ladder.  They also have a spare engine, spare Snorkel truck, four support vehicles, fire safety trailer, rescue trailer and a rescue boat.  The current membership is 49 personnel and the Munster Fire Department responds to nearly 400 calls for service annually. 

As you can see, the Musnter Fire Department has grown from their humble beginnings to a modern and efficient fire fighting force that is proud to protect the Town of Munster and its surrounding communities.  Whether it be protecting life and property, educating the children of our community or answering an emergency call, the Munster Fire Department stands ready, rich in heritage, and truly as dedicated as they come.