Fire Department History (cont.)

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 The first fire department in Dodge City's location is unknown today. It is known that it housed the first hose cart, and was used while P.L. Beatty was Fire Chief from 1876-1887. In September 1888, the new city hall was dedicated. This building, located at Second and Trail, housed the US Land Office, City Hall and the Fire Department. The Fire Department used this building for the next 30 years and saw 4 different Fire Chiefs: Chalk Beeson (1887-1913), William Crutchley (1909-1913), M. Warren (May to Sept. 1913) and Al Warren (1913-1936).

The department moved in 1921 to the Martin Building (now known as Al's A & B Barber Shop, 313 Gunsmoke) and stayed there for about 8 years. In November 1929, the City of Dodge City dedicated the station on Boot Hill. This building also housed the City offices, Police Department, Jail, and Court System. This location would see 9 different fire chiefs starting with Al Warren (1913-1936), Floyd McGahen (1936-1942), M.C. Woodall (1942-1951), Claus F. Krambeck (1951-1956), George "Jerry" Daeschner (1956-198 5), Acting Fire Chiefs Ned O'Neal, Tom Spencer and Dan Williamson (1985-1987) and Pat Simpson.

By the late 1940s, the City realized a need to build a south station, and in June of 1950, the new station #2 was opened. It was located at 105 South Second. M.C. Woodall was the chief. This location was used until the new Station #2 was built on South 14th Street in 1995. Finally, in August of 1989, after years of study and planning, ground was broken for a new Station #1, located at First and Soule. The dedication was held on May 5, 1990. Fire Chief at the time was Pat Simpson. Current Fire Chief, Dan Williamson began serving in 1995.

This department has seen several hundred men and women, both paid and volunteer serving the citizens of Dodge City. They included Ed Masterson (brother of Bat Masterson), Wyatt Earp and Chalk Beeson to name a few. From the beginning of Dodge City's history and into the future, the Dodge City Fire Department has been, and always will be, an important part of the City of Dodge City.