History

Early History
Burlingame Fire Department
By
Tom Oliver Written c. 1989

The Burlingame Fire Department was created by Ordinance Number 28 on February 8, 1876, and signed by Mayor H.D. Shepard.  A wheeled extinguisher, hook and ladder wagon, and wheeled fire pump, which was equipped with a nozzle, axes, and small amount of hose, were pulled to the fire by the firemen.  Water for firefighting had to come from some natural source such as creeks, wells, or watering tanks, since no water distribution existed at that time.  Much of the manpower of the fire department was put to use to operate the hand operated pump on the wagon.  This was hard, rigorus work, which requiredeight or ten men to operate the pump.  These men could only pump for a short period of time until they had to be relieved.

In the early 1900’s, about 1913, the city of Burlingame installed a water distribution sysem, which provided ample water from fire hydrants for firefighting.  This created new wats to fight fire.  Hoses were attached to the water hydrant, which provided water under pressure.  This prompted the city fathers to provide a Model T truck, which was loaded with 1.5 inch and 2.5 inch fire hose.  This changed the whole procedure of firefighting.  Using the fire hydrant, it was no longer necessary to pump the water for  pressure.  Now the firement could use their energy to lay the hose and extinguish the fire.  Even with the advantages of the distribution system over the old hand pumper, this was a far cry from the equipment avaliable today.

In 1938 the city fathers again decided to upgrade the fire department.  This time a new fire engine was ordered.  This engine was not only a house truck, but had its own water supply with a pump mounted up front to build its on colume and pressure.  This made it possible to have a water supply and a pump to boost the water pressure.  This made it possible to have a wwater supply and a pump to boost the water pressure to a level that was very effective in fighting fires.  The new fire truck was used to fight one of biggest fires in the city’s history, that being the S.S. Smith lumber yard, which was located where the presen

t post office and First State Bank stand today.  Later on in the middle 1950’s, the ’38 pumper truck was again called upon to fight another major fire in the business district,  This was the Burlingame Locker Plant, which caught fire on a cold December day.

In 1955 the board members of the Burlingame and Dragoon Townships decided it was time to probvide fire protection for the rural community.  A pumper truck was purchased and a fire department was created.  It was known as the Burlingame-Dragoon Township Fire Department.  This truck was housed in the same station as the city truck.  Manpower was provided from some of the city firemen and men living out in the rural area.  This worked very well, and the department was well received.
Up until this time, fire alarms were given by telephone with central notifying each fireman of an alarm.  Finally the phone companty decided to install a dial system and eliminate the operator, or centeral as she was called.   This change meant the fire department could no longer practically receive the alarm by phone.  The fire department decided to install radios to alert the firemen of an alarm.  This was accomplished by placing the fire telephone in the city light plant to receive alarms,..  Uopon receiving an alarm, the plant ooperator transmitted the alarm to the firemen who each had a radio receiver in their home.  This system proved very efficient because all firemen received the alarm at the same instant, and the response time was greatly improved.  At this time, two-way radios were alos installed in both the city and the town trucks in the fire chief’s vehicle.

In the late 1950’s the department took advantage of a program offered thfough the Kansas State Forestry Department, which made available surplus military trucks.  These trucks were made into firefighting unitys which was a great help to the department.  Throuch hard work, ingenuity, and little cost, the department added three Jeeps and a tanker to the rolling stock,  These units served very well in controlling the many grass fires in this district.

In 1962 it was decided to replace the old 1938 fire truck with a new 750 G.P.M. pimper.  This truck was bigger and much more elaborate this the old one.  The 1938 truck was sold to the city of Melvern to be used for its original purpose, firefighting.  At this time, it is still in service.
In 1974 the Burlingame-Dragoon Township Fire Department replaced its 1955 Chevy truck with a new 1974 500 G.P.M. pimper.

The early 1980’s brought more changes to the townships’ fire department.  The old military trucks were getting worn out and becoming too expensive to keep running.  With a lot of hard workl furnished by members of the department, three trucks were built over a period of four years. There were two mini pumpers built on four wheel drive pickups, and a 1250 gallon tanker built on a two ton truck.  Many firefighters donated their time and skills to the completion of these vehicles, and the department feels a great amount of pride in this accomplishment.
In October of 1982 another major fire occurred in the bussines district.  The Nickel Farm Equipment Company was destroyed.

The year 1986 brought a major change to both fire departments.  In order to better serve the fire protection needs of the city and rural community and to provide a more efficient operation of the fire department, the two departments were integrated into one department.  All firefighters respond to any alarm; and whatever equipment is needed, whethercity or rural, is sent to fill any need.  All firefighters are continually trained and equipped to provide better service to the community as possible.

Mindful of the responsibility which has existed since our department was founded is 1876 and of the service of all those firefighters who have preceded us on this department, we as today’s firefighters strive to uphold the proud record that has been set over the last 112 years.

Story of how we acquired the 1938 fire truck

The subject of the truck would come up from time to time when members of the fire department were sitting around telling war stories.  We all knew that the truck was sold to Melvern Fire Department in 1962.  It always sparked interest and usually someone would mention that we sure wish we had that old truck back.

In 1985  Jim Strohm had driven to Melvern and looked at the truck.  It was in excellent condition and was still in full service at that time.   He mentioned that if they were ever to sell the truck that Burlingame would sure be interested in buying it back.

In approximately 1996 Jim was talking to one of  the firefighters from Melvern and asked about the truck.  He was told that the truck was sold some time ago.  The firefighter thought it went to a resort in Missouri or Arkansas.  He was under the impression that it was being used as a novelty vehicle to haul guests around the resort in. 

After hearing that it was sold some time ago we were afraid that it was gone forever and possibly even scrapped by now. 

As retired Chief Tom Oliver was working on a history of the fire department the subject of the old truck would still come up every now and then.  Tom had some pictures of the truck from approximately the 1940s or ‘50s.  Tom also had an 8mm color movie of a training fire in the late 1950s that John Carey Sr. had filmed for the fire department.  The truck was shown in the film pumping water in it’s like new granduer. 

In January 2002 the fire department held it’s annual awards supper at the fire station.  We had two members that were receiving their 20 year recognition.  For the program we put together a brief history of the fire department, displayed some pictures, showed the 8mm movie and told some stories.
 
The stories of the old fire truck and the 8mm movie of it sparked interest in Asst. Chief Jon Shaffer to find the truck.  He had heard stories of it being in Melvern for several years.  He started his research and found the truck had been sold to Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Missouri.   Jon found the resort on the internet and called them.  He asked if they had an old fire truck and described it.  They said they did indeed own such a truck and verified that it came from Melvern, Kansas.   They explained that they bought it in 1987 and had it restored.  They used it in a Christmas lighting ceremony at Thanksgiving for the resort and various  other activities and parades.

Jon asked if they would mind taking some pictures of the truck if he would send them a camera and some film.  They were more than happy to do that and returned some very nice pictures.
 
We were elated to find that the truck was restored to it’s original condition and had not been altered.  We were so excited that we thought it would be neat to have the truck present at the grand opening of the Burlingame Museum on June 22, 2002.

Jim Strohm contacted Jim Lewis at the resort to inquire about borrowing the truck for the museum grand opening and parade in June. 
Mr. Lewis stated that he did not see a problem with it but would need to consult his general manager.  Mr. Lewis said he would talk with him in a few days.

Jim explained to Mr. Lewis our interest in the truck due to the fact that it was the department’s first pumper and there were several people around that remember using it.  Jim stated that we were just glad to see that it is still in original condition and is being taken care of.   Jim also stated that if the resort ever decided to get rid of the truck we would be interested in buying it.

We sent Mr. Lewis a copy of a video that was dubbed off the old 8mm film and some pictures we had of the truck for his collection.  Mr. Lewis collects old cars himself. 

We had not heard from Mr. Lewis for a few weeks and it was after the time that he said he would talk to his manager.  We got nervous and called him to find out that he had not had a chance to visit with the manager yet.  We told ourselves to be patient and wait until we heard from Mr. Lewis. 

A few more weeks had passed and we still had not heard from Mr. Lewis.  Then on Friday, April 26, 2002, Mr. Lewis left a message for Jim Strohm to call him.  Jim called him on Saturday morning and talked to his wife.  She said he was out at the moment but was really wanting to talk to us, and we would probably be very happy.  She said he would call me back as soon as he got home.  This news started us thinking that we would surely be able to borrow the truck and maybe even have the opportunity to purchase it.
 
Mr. Lewis called Jim back a few hours later and asked when the parade was that we wanted to borrow the truck for.  Jim told him it was June 22.

Mr. Lewis said he had finally had the opportunity to visit with his general manager about our request.  Mr. Lewis said that he told his manager that we had asked to borrow the truck for a display at a museum grand opening and a parade.  He explained to the manager that we were the original owners of the truck and had an extensive history and interest in the truck.  He told his manager that he felt the truck belonged in Burlingame, Kansas instead of their Resort.

Mr. Lewis then asked Jim if it would be okay if they just donated the truck to the fire department! The only stipulations were that we drafted a letter showing that they donated a truck for tax purposes and they also asked that we leave their name on the hood as a reminder of who donated it.  Jim could hardly speak but said that would not be a problem.

We contacted Eylander Trucking that afternoon to arrange having the truck hauled home.  At 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 we left Burlingame for Osage Beach, Missouri to bring the truck home.  Tracy Martin who drives for Eylander Trucking and Tim Love who were both past members of the fire department went along to help bring it home.  Retired Fire Chief Tom Oliver, current Chief Jim Strohm, Asst. Chief Jon Shaffer and Fire Board Treasurer and firefigther Jim Welch also went along. 

We were met by a very nice staff of people at the resort to help load the truck.  Mr. Lewis and his staff took time out to have some pictures taken with the truck before we left.  Tom Oliver stated that the people at the resort seemed as happy to be giving us the truck as we were to get it.

We arrived back in Burlingame at 6:00 p.m. that evening and unloaded the truck.  As Tom and Jon drove the truck from the loading dock south of the elevator to the fire station we commented that after being gone for 40 years it finally found it’s way back home.

In cooperation with the Burlingame Historical Preservation Society, Inc. the 1938 is currently being housed in the Annex building located at 237 W. Fremont located behind the Schuyler Museum.

History of Rescue Squad
Formed at first meeting  Thursday February 21, 1980 at 8 p.m.

                        Third meeting was held March 17, 1980, this is when people were actually put on call and started responding to emergencies.  The unit met again on March 24 at the fire station to train on the Fire Department’s resuscitator.  On April 3rd and 8th all the members took a 6 hour course on CPR.

Some of the first members were:
Darlene Bloomquist
Gary McClellan
Gary Crook
Sharon Montgomery
Carl Knudsen
Wayne Dunn
Bob Kurtz
Dean Prescott

The first vehicle was an old 1955 Ford pickup that was acquired by the fire department from Kansas State Forestry several years before.  Originally the truck was parked outside the fire station and a lot of times would not start due to the cold weather.  When this happened the dedicated responders would load the equipment in their personal vehicle and respond. The unit was equipped with a lot of donated equipment or equipment that was acquired from Federal Surplus. In December of 1980 a 1973 Plymouth station wagon was purchased from Federal Surplus in Topeka for $300.00 by the City of Burlingame and donated to the Rescue Squad.  At this time the vehicle was housed in the old fire station on Main Street where it was heated and kept out of the elements. A few years later, as room became available in the new fire station, the car was moved there. 

The first level of training was basic first aid followed by CPR and in later years several members advanced to the First Responder Level of training that is a state recognized curriculum for local rescue agencies. 

The Squad operated from it’s beginning on donation money from the community and built up a nice inventory of modern emergency medical equipment.  In 1987 as operating costs increased drastically, mainly liability insurance,  it became impossible for the dedicated members to make the generous donations go far enough to cover expenses. On July 21, 1987, the Rescue Squad became part of  the Fire Department and fell under the fire department’s budget to cover operational cost.  The merging of the two groups of highly dedicated people took emergency response for the Burlingame Community to a new level.  Several firefighters became involved in medical training, and several Rescue Squad members became involved in fire training.  The new group advanced from First Responder level of training to EMT and on to EMT-I.  More services were added such as auto extrication equipment, medium rescue, and Automatic    Defibrillation.  When the Rescue Squad was started the Fire Department and  Rescue Squad combined would probably respond to approximately 30 calls annually.  Today we are responding to an average of 200 calls per year.

We owe a lot to the dedicated people who started the Rescue Squad in 1980. Burlingame had one of the first organized units around.  Today it is a lot easier to organize a First Responder unit, because statutes are in place that allow for money to be budgeted as well as State guidelines that tell you how to organize. Burlingame was very fortunate to have people that saw a need for emergency edical assistance in our community and had the dedication to make it happen.
Several people were involved with the Rescue Squad over the years and with out a doubt saved many lives in our community.

Some of those people were:
Karen Smart
Bobbi Smith     
Craig Smith
Sharol Couch
David Couch
Don Montgomery
Elora Bickford
Teresa McNellis
Joyce Sherry

Radio System

            On May 19, 2003, Burlingame Fire District #6 presented the City of Burlingame with a plaque recognizing 43 years of dispatching for the fire department. Prior to 1959 the Burlingame Fire Department was alerted of a fire through the United Telephone Co.  The phone company had an operator on duty 24 hours a day that worked the switch board at the local phone office.  When the fire department was needed the caller would dial the “operator” , who would in turn connect to each fireman’s home phone and report the fire directly to the firemen.  The operator would inform the firemen of the type of fire and the location. This was a great system but could take some time to get everyone notified.  In 1959 United Telephone decided to upgrade to the direct dial system we are used to today.  This upgrade was better for the phone customer during normal use but made it more difficult to use the phone to report a fire without an operator.  The fire department felt that the new system would be inadequate and looked for a better solution.   After some studying it was decided that a radio system would be a better way of alerting the firefighters. 

To make a radio system work it would have to be staffed 24 hours a day just like the old telephone operator’s position.  The city already had power plant operators that were on duty 24 hours a day.  It was decided that the power plant operators could receive fire alarms and dispatch the firemen instantly.  When the telephone company went to the direct dial system they issued a “Fire Number”  for people to call to report fires that would ring in the power plant.  When the number was dialed it would ring in the power plant office as well as set off a load buzzer and activate a revolving light in the power plant engine room.  The buzzer and light were a necessity to get the operators attention if they were in the engine room due to the noisy engines.
Most of the operators had never operated a radio system before but were up for the challenge.  The fire department trained the original operators to dispatch and they did a remarkable job. 

The City of Burlingame purchased a used transmitter and 3 used 2-way radios from Motorola Radio in Topeka.  The city also purchased monitor boxes from Plectron Corporation.  The monitor boxes were issued to each fireman to keep in his place of business or home.
The monitor boxes would be silent until the power plant operator pressed a tone button that sent out an alert tone.  The tone would open the monitor boxes with a load signal that would get the attention of the firefigthers.  After the tone was finished, the power plant operator would simply transmit the type of fire and location over the radio so all fire personnel would hear it at the same time.   

Fleet History

1955
	675	676
	ford pickup

Apparatus Deliveries
by John M. Malecky
in Fire Engineering

The Burlingame (KS) Fire Department serves the town and two adjoining townships, protecting a total population of 3,200 with 110 square miles.  The area protected consists of light business, a municipal power plant, schools, a nursing home, a retirement complex, a large grain elevator, eight miles of railroad, and 14 miles of the Kansas Turnpike.  The rest of the area is rural, with farmers and gravel roads.

Chief Jim Strohm explains that the department provides first-responder and light rescue services in addition to fire protection, and wanted to replace its 1962 vintage pumper with one abundant compartment space, a large water tank, ease of operation, and maneuverability.
The new pumper is built by Pierce on a Ford F-800 chassis.  It has a pump and carries 1,000 gallons of water.  A front intake is pre-connected to 30 feet of soft suction hose in an extended bumper, to keep narrow roads open for tanker traffic.  Two 2½-inch discharges are at the rear, relieving some congestion from the pump panel area.  A 10-inch rear dump valve also the pumper to be used as a tanker, if necessary.
The vehicle carries two 1¾-inch attack lines in cross-trays and a 1½-inch line off the back for fires.  The booster reel has an airline plumbed from the air-brake system, allowing the booster line to be purged at the scene in freezing weather.  A chuck in the rear of the vehicle powers air tools and a 110-volt, three-kw, direct-drive generator powers two 500-watt telescoping floodlights on top of the vehicle plus two outlets at the rear.

Delivery of 2004 Spartan Pumper

            Burlingame Fire District #6 took delivery of a new custom built pumper on May 7, 2004.  The truck was designed by local firefighters and purchased from Hays Fire Equipment in Hays, Kansas.  Larry Bruzda was the salesman that spent many hours with the department during the process.  The chassis was built by Spartan Motors in Lansing, Michigan then delivered to Central States Fire Apparatus in Lyons, South Dakota to have the fire body and pump installed.  The deal was sealed in September of 2003 and the truck was delivered three weeks ahead of schedule. 
This pumper is part of an ongoing equipment upgrade plan that was started in 1999 and is so far on schedule.  The truck is equipped with a 1250 gallon per minute pump, 1000 gallons of water, 5 pre-connected attack lines and 2000 feet of supply hose. It also has a 5000 watt generator for powering scene lighting as well as other electric fire fighting equipment.  The truck is powered by a Caterpillar diesel engine. 
The biggest improvement over earlier pumpers the department has owned is the large cab.  The cab will accomodate up to 6 firefighters.  Each seat except the driver’s seat is equipped to hold a fresh air breathing apparatus for each firefighter, which will allow the firefighters to be in full protective equipment and breathing apparatus when they step off the truck.  The department’s previous trucks carried the breathing apparatus in compartments on the outside of the truck which meant the firefighters had to ride to the fire and take time on the scene to put on the air tanks.  The cab is also equipped with air conditioning which is vital to firefighters for rehab when fighting fires in hot weather. 
The Burlingame firefighters would like to thank the citizens they serve and the fire district  board members for supporting the fire department and making sure they are outfitted with the best equipment.
The firefighters would welcome anyone that would like to stop by and see the truck.  The truck will be seen on the street for the next several weeks in the evenings as the firefighters receive extensive training on driving and operating the new apparatus.