The rich tradition of serving the community of Nevada Iowa dates over 140 years. The Nevada Fire Department was established in 1860. Seven years after Nevada took its first residence, it was appointed the County seat of Story County, Iowa. From 1860 to present day, Nevada Fire prides itself on its commitment to provide its community with the very best possible fire protection. But in the late 1800’s, fire protection was a difficult task. Nevada was equipped with a hand pump, a hook and ladder outfit, two hose carts, 1200 feet of three inch hose and two full rubber suits for protection. Today’s department consists of one 75’ Ladder Truck, two Engines, two water tenders or tankers, and two grass attack units. It also provides EMS and Rescue support with its two Squads. It has approximately 14,260 feet of hose, and over thirty sets of full protective gear. As well as an assortment of tools and equipment to support today’s fire department’s needs, compared to its early days.
- 1838 IOWA BECAME A SEPARATE TERRITORY.
- 1846 IOWA BECAME the 29TH STATE.
- 1853 STORY COUNTY WAS FORMED.
- 1853 THE TOWN OF NEVADA TOOK Its FIRST RESIDENCE.
- 1855 FIRST STORY COUNTY’S COURTHOUSE CONSTRUCTED.
- 1860 NEVADA FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ESTABLISHED.
- 1863 STORY COUNTY COURTHOUSE BURNED BEYOND REPAIR.
- 1880 A MAJOR FIRE OCCURRED IN THE VA BALLOU BLDG. (1000 BLOCK OF 6TH ST.) THE ENTIRE ROW OF BUILDINGS WAS DESTROYED.
- 1882 SAME BLOCK ALL BLDG’S WERE LOST EXCEPT THE 2 CORNER BLDG’S.
- 1882 THE CITY ERECTED A TWO-STORY BRICK BUILDING ON 5TH AND Oak (now J & 7th). FIRST FLOOR HOUSED FIRE DEPARTMENT & THE SECOND FLOOR WAS THE COUNCIL ROOM.
- 1888 NEW WATER WORKS SYSTEM AND ELEVATED TOWER TO PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION.
- 1890 F.D. HAD 20 HYDRANTS, 1350 FEET OF HOSE, 2 HOSE CARTS, 2- HORSE DRAWN HOOK AND LADDER WAGONS.
- 1911 BOUGHT ITS FIRST MOTORIZED EQUIPMENT - A 45 GAL. CHAMPION IMROVED CHEMICAL WAGON.
- 1943 IOWA SANITARIUM BURNED TO THE GROUND.
- 1953 THE NEVADA RUARAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOC. ORGANIZED.
- 1954 NEVADA PURCHASES ITS FIRST NEW FIRE ENGINE, A 1954 SEAGRAVE.
- 1957 CARL “SHORTY” JOHNSON WAS APPOINTED NEVADA’S FIRST PAID FIRE CHIEF.
- 1970’S NEVADA FIRST RESPONDERS WAS ESTABLSIHED TO PROVIDE QUICK MEDICAL AIDE TO ITS COMMUNITY.
- 1975 THE ELEVATOR FIRE.
- 1976 THE NEVADA FIRE DEPARTMENT MOVES TO ITS NEW BUILDING. A SINGLE STORY, FOUR BAY FIRE STATION, WITH OFFICES, LOCKER/LAUNDRY ROOM, SHOP, KITCHEN AND CLASSROOM. LOCATED AT 10TH AND LINCOLNWAY.
- 1985 NEVADA PURCHASED ITS FIRST LADDER TRUCK. THE ONLY OTHER DEPARTMENT TO HAVE A LADDER TRUCK WAS NEAR BY AMES IN STORY COUNTY.
- 1986 THE POULTRY HOUSE FIRE AT 6TH AND N AVE.
- 1990 FIRE CHIEF STEVE HERR RECEIVED GOVERNOR’S “VOLUNTEER AWARD”.
- 1999 HEARTLAND COOP 9,000 GALLON ANHRYDROS LEAK - HAZMAT CALL.
- 1999 BURKE MARKETING ACID SPILL ON SOUTH 11TH – HAZMAT CALL.
- 2002 THE SOUTHWOODS TOWNHOMES FIRE. FOUR OTHER FIRE DEPTS AIDED IN THIS CALL, COLO, CAMBRIDGE, HUXLEY, & MAXWELL.
- 2003 – ASST. FIRE CHIEF DEAN TOPE RECEIVES GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR “OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO IOWA’S CHILDEREN IN THE AREA OF PUBLIC SAFETY”.
- 2005 – RECORD NUMBER OF CALLS. 252 FIRE & 475 EMS FOR A TOTAL OF 727.
