The People and Events of the 1950's
June 7, 1950
Modern Fire Engine Arrives
In pursuit of acquiring a modern apparatus, three companies provided bids for a "standard" fire truck. The Mack Truck Company bid $17,500.00 for a truck with a 1000 gallon-per-minute pumping capacity. American La-France bid $17,955.00 on the same size truck and Seagraves came in at $18,074.12. These prices were on units manufactured according to City of El Cajon specifications and included $3,000.00 worth of equipment.
The chosen, American La-France, engine arrived in El Cajon on June 7, 1950. The new apparatus was modified from the "standard" model to "fit the special conditions encountered in fire protection in this district."
The 1,000 gallon-per-minute pumping capacity with a two stage centrifugal pump remained standard. However, a 400 gallon on board water tank and additional equipment was added to "provide adequate service for the area."
The truck was powered by a 215 horsepower cab-over engine and "it goes about hunert 'n seventy miles an hour," according to one small fry who saw it arrive in El Cajon.
New Fire/Police Station Opens
In 1952, a new "modern" building was erected at the corner of East Douglas Street and Highland Avenue for the housing of the City's Police and Fire Department.
The shared facility was constructed for $74,824. The fire department portion of the facility included a large apparatus bay area, kitchen, dayroom, offices and dorm rooms.
August 7, 1958
Third City Fire Station Opens
In August of 1958 , El Cajon's third
fire station was erected at the corner of Third Street and Peach
Avenue. The station, designed by architect Arthur D. Decker, was
constructed for approximately $50,000.00 and today houses a single
engine company and a staff of three fire fighters. Located to provide
protection for the east end of the city, the station is one of the
busiest in San Diego County.
August 13, 1958
El Cajon's First Fire Marshal Appointed
The following newspaper article announced the appointment of El Cajon's first fire marshal.
EL CAJON- Appointment of Fire Capt. Alvin Petree as the city's first fire marshall was announced yesterday by Fire Chief R.M. Halgren. The appointment is effective Saturday.
Halgren said the position is the first step toward formation of a fire prevention bureau. The city's third fire station opened last week.
Petree's full-time supervision of fire department building inspectors will permit closer attention to enforcement of fire regulations in the downtown area the chief said. The fire marshall has power of arrest.
Public education is a major priority of any fire prevention bureau. School presentations, fire station tours and programs of fire safety for all ages are conducted throughout the year.