About The Chatham Fire Department

1928

The Chatham Fireman’s Association was formed on the 27th day of February of 1928. The Office of the Secretary of State in Illinois certified that the Chatham Fireman’s Association was a legally organized Corporation under the laws of the State of Illinois on the 19th day of March 1928.

The by-laws were written, passed, approved and recorded on the 7th day of May 1928. W. Everett Cary became the first Fire Chief of the Chatham Fireman’s Association and remained in this position for 21 years until May of 1949. The firefighter’s of the day met in what was known as Woodman Hall. The equipment at that time consisted of one engine, one ladder, 800′ of fire hose, 3 lengths of suction hose, lanterns, wrenches, nozzles, buckets, flash light, crow bar, fire pole, fire extinguisher, fire coats, boots and hats. They responded the fire truck from Cary’s Garage where they rented storage space for it.

The firefighter’s of this era were called to the firehouse by way of a siren that was mounted on the top of the 125′ water tower located in the square across from Cary’s Garage.

1932

The Chatham Fireman’s Association met any place they could gather for a few years. They held their monthly meetings in firefighter’s homes, firefighter’s front porches or the Odd Fellow Hall. The Association began meeting at Cary’s Garage, also known as Cary Chevrolet Sales located on the square in Chatham, Illinois on and off during this time as well.

1934

In 1934, the Association began to hold their meetings more regularly at Cary’s Garage.

1937

In 1937, the Association began to hold their meetings more regularly at the Community Building, with an occasional meeting being held at Cary’s Garage.

1949

On the 8th of March of 1949, a petition was filed to establish and fix the boundaries of the proposed Chatham Community Fire Protection District.

In May of 1949, Lester Wiley became the second Fire Chief and remained in this position for 15 years until June of 1964.

In July , the Chatham Board of Trustees approved to purchase fire apparatus from Central Fire Truck Company of St. Louis and in October appropriated $10,752.00 for that purchase.