Champaign FD celebrates 150 years

On Wednesday, the Champaign Fire Department marked a historic milestone—its 150th anniversary. Just one day later, the city’s oldest living firefighter, Pete Lipscomb, turned 91, making his story even more remarkable.

Lipscomb served as a firefighter for 34 years, from 1951 to 1985, which is nearly a third of the department's entire history. On Tuesday, he returned to Station No. 1, where he shared some of the incredible changes that have taken place over the past six decades.

He recalled that when he first joined, the fire trucks were open-cab models with sirens right next to the driver. “That’s why I have these,” he said, pointing to his hearing aids. “I used to be the one driving and listening to that siren all day.”

The technology back then was basic at best. There were no GPS systems or digital maps to help firefighters find their way. Instead, they relied on paper maps and tested each other during downtime. If the driver got lost, they’d follow the smoke, according to Lipscomb—though he joked it wasn’t always the most reliable method.

Equipment has also evolved dramatically. In the early days, only one firefighter per shift had a smoke mask, while others would go in, take breaks outside for fresh air, and then return. “That’s why I have COPD,” he said with a laugh.

Deputy Chief John Barker added that the department has changed a lot over its 150-year history. When it started in 1865, it was entirely volunteer-based, and horses were used to transport firefighters quickly. By the 1880s, the department began paying its members.

Back then, firefighters used a bucket brigade, carrying water from hand-pumped sources to fight fires. They also worked to demolish parts of buildings to prevent flames from spreading. Instead of 911 calls, the city would ring a bell on top of the building to signal where a fire was happening.

In time, the department upgraded to steam-powered engines, but that was eventually replaced by its first motorized fire engine in 1915—100 years ago. The change came after a devastating fire on Lewis Street caused $800,000 in damage—equivalent to about $18.8 million today.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary, the department will host a fire apparatus parade and firefighter muster on July 19, from noon to 5 p.m. The parade will begin at the Illinois Fire Service Institute at noon, heading west on Kirby Avenue, then north on Mattis Avenue, and east on University Avenue toward Champaign Central High School (estimated arrival around 12:30 p.m.). The muster will take place in the parking lot at the corner of Washington and Walnut streets starting at 1 p.m.

Thanks, Dan

 

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