The People and Events of the 1920's (and pre-20's)
May 1, 1915
First Recorded Fire Protection
The following article, written in the El Cajon Valley News, give some information as to the type of fire protection that could be gained from the city's water supply in 1915:
A test of the water pressure here as a means of fire protection was made last Sunday. With a hose and ordinary fire nozzle, water was thrown fifteen or twenty feet higher than the peak of the Home Telephone building, thus demonstrating that the pressure is ample for fire protection in the town.
February 9, 1923
Mobile Fire Protection to be Procured
One of the most pressing and unfulfilled needs of the El Cajon valley, in 1923, was the provision of adequate fire protection for the outlying districts and ranches in the area.
A plan was developed for the procuring of a chemical engine and truck to carry it, which together with hose and ladders already in possession of the City, would provide the needed fire protection. The fulfilling of this plan would also see additional reductions in the City's insurance rates, just as the improvement of the water main system had in 1992.
It was felt that an "efficient outfit" could be purchased for approximately $1,000.00. For the purpose of financing the equipment a large puble dance called the "Fire Fund Ball" was staged on April 4, 1923 at the Bostonia Pavilion. While funds were to be made by solicitation and direct donation of residents, the ball, had in addition, the advantage of fostering community spirit which would also be needed to maintain the "outfit" and a volunteer company of fire fighters to operate it. This event provided the impetus for the beginning of the "El Cajon Valley Fire Department."
February 23, 1923
Meeting of Fire Committee Held
On February 23, 1923, the El Cajon Valley News reported:
A meeting was held last Thursday evening at the library building of a group of citizens of El Cajon valley, who were invited to discuss the information of a fire department for this section and to formulate plans further for the putting on of the benefit ball which will be held April 4 at the Bostonia Pavilion to raise funds for the purchase of equipment.
A motion was also carried that these officers be empowered to draw up by-laws governing the organization.
March 1, 1923
El Cajon Valley Fire Department Formed
While it was that the El Cajon Valley Fire Department was officially formed on March 1, 1923, it appears that there was little fanfare associated with its beginning.
The fact that a committee was formed to deal with the formation of an "official" volunteer department and place a plan into action for the purchase of a fire truck, is the only recorded information about the department's formation.
December 7, 1923
First Fire Truck Purchased
On April 12, 1923, Mr. Fred Jones, chairman of the committee to raise funds for the first fire truck, traveled to Los Angeles to investigate "quite thoroughly the different fire trucks that are offered for sale."
The F.S.&W.W. Hirsh Company manufactured the "Reo Speed Wagon," which was a truck similar to the one being used by the City of La Mesa. It was equipped with a 500 GPM pump and two 35 gallon copper chemical tanks. The price of the truck was $5,350.00 which was $4,350.00 more than originally thought for an "efficient outfit."
After several months of attempting to collect and raise the necessary funds to purchase a truck, the County Board of Supervisors, after the pleading of Mayor Edwin. A. Mueller, provided a $1,000.00 donation toward the purchase of the truck.
The "Rio Speed Wagon" came dangerously close to being repossessed for lack of payment of $629.00 in January of 1925. Fortunately the money was raised.
January 20, 1924
Fire Truck Arrives
The "Rio Speed Wagon" attained speeds of up to 55 miles per hour, and passed an acceptance test that "apparently met all requirements." The truck was equipped with "all the paraphenalia necessary-lanterns, a siren that warns all traffic off the road when it is approaching, axe, crowbar, extension ladders and other articles."
Of the $5,350.00 paid for the truck, the county contributed $1,000.00, the City of El Cajon $1,350.00, and the citizens of El Cajon valley, by subscriptions, contributed $3,000.00.
The "machine" as it was called, was stored in a shed at the Hall lumber yard and was kept in charge of the volunteer fire department.