Union City Fire Department - 1903

Note - Regarding the "Union City Fire Department" ...(from the publication titled "Historical Industrial and Social Record of Peerless Union City Michigan" edited, compiled, and published by Tom F. Robinson in March 1903), EARLY HISTORY OF UNION CITY, reads: ....FIRE DEPARTMENT - As is generally the case, Union City has upon several occa­sions suffered serious loss by fire, although of late years she has been remarkably free from disastrous conflagrations. In the earlier days there were only the most primitive methods for fighting fire, but in 1873 the attention of citizens was called to the urgent need of some sort of efficient fire protection, and May 28, 1872, the council made an appropriation of $1,500 and purchased a hand fire-engine, a hose-cart, and 500 feet of hose. The engine arrived in July of that year, and was christened "The St. Joseph." In February of the following year afire company consisting of forty-three volunteer members was organized and officers chosen as follows : Foreman, M. F. Rowe; Asst. Foreman, Geo. W. Hinkle; Secretary, E. B. Wheeler ; Treasurer, F. C. Rheubottom ; Pipeman, Henry Seymour ; Steward, R. F. Me Coy. A hose company was also formed and the two uniformed in June, 1873. A new fire company with thirty-three mem­bers was organized in 1875, called the "St. Joseph Fire Company," and in 1876 the present brick engine-house was built. The old fire com­pany was one of the best in the state and in the days of the firemen's tournaments it made some enviable records. In 1886 a fine new Button steam fire engine, together with all necessary ap­purtenances, was bought, and this did excellent service for nearly ten years, or until the estab­lishment of the present efficient system of water­works made the fire protection well-nigh perfect. The steamer is still retained, although its serv­ices have not been required since 1894. The present fire department is known as "The Union City Fire Department," and it has but twelve vol­unteer members, this number having proved amply sufficient. The officers and members are as fol­lows : W. H. Rowe (Chief), W. H. Wilbur (Asst. Chief), H. W. Bradner (Captain of Hose), Isaac Merritt, W. E. Rupright, Henry F. Woodruff, C. S. Hill, J. F. Wilder, Edward Steninger, C. A. White, Fred Burnham, and Will Palmer. Forty-two fire hydrants and an ample supply of hose give protection to every structure in the town, and it has been years since there was a fire of any importance.