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The South Bend Fire Department is comprised of 12 Fire Stations and provides staffing for several other specialized areas. Since the early origins of the City, the South Bend Fire Department has held a reputation as one of the finest in the Midwest. The area's first organized fire protection commenced operations on January 29, 1853. Twelve years before the incorporation of the City, and consisted of a small band of unpaid volunteers in two companies. The Department grew to include three engines, three hose companies, and one hook and ladder and bucket company by 1868, and in 1887 became a full-time, paid fire department. The Department continued to evolve along with a rapidly growing South Bend, and by 1919 boasted sixty-seven men in twelve companies. By the mid 1960's the SBFD had reached a peak size of almost 300 men, staffing fifteen stations. The South
Bend Fire Department presently employs 248 full-time Firefighters in four
divisions, and services a population of approximately 105,000. Each division
provides specialized functions critical to the effectiveness of the entire
Department.
One of the many reason's I made this page was to show how much fun Rachel and I have when we visit the South Bend Fire Department, Station 10. Rachel's Dad has worked at Station 10 for many years now and is a very respected fire fighter. While visiting the station, we usually play with Christopher, and Abby (Rachel's little brother and sister). There is a park near by, and a baseball field behind the station. When it is nice out we will take the kids over there and hit some baseball's or go over to the park and play on the swings. Fire Fighters are very well known for making excellent meals. We have visited the station many times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Rachel's Dad, John, and another fire fighter, Andy, make some of the best meals we have ever tasted. They are very good in making omelet's, prime rib, chicken, biscuits and gravy with sausage, and many many other wonderful meals. Please be sure to check out their recipe page for a little sample of some real fire house food. Fire fighters share a very special bond that is barely experienced in the work place. Not only do these guys work together and protect one another, but they also are very good friends and usually are seen hanging out with one another even after work is over with. Here are some pictures from when we visited the station on August 24, 2002. I hope you enjoy the pictures of the station and also realize that there is something very special about a fire house.
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