Welcome Crockery Township Fire Department

Fire Fighting Facts: Dalmation Dog

One of the most beloved symbols of the fire serviceis the Dalmatian dog. The origins of the breed are shrouded in mystery. Experts are unsure really how old the breed is.

It is known that the Dalmatian, because of its poor hunting abilities, was relegated to the stable area of fine homes. It was in these stables that the Dalmatian became acquainted with the horses.

Dalmatians were adopted by the fire service in the days of the horse-drawn fire wagons because they were agile and not afraid of the horses. The Dalmatian, with its superior agility and endurance could run out in front of the horses and clear the streets for the approaching fire wagon.

When the horses were replaced bygasoline-driven fire engines, many fire departments kept their Dalmatians. In some areas you can still see the Dalmatian standing proudly on top of the fire engine as it races to another emergency.

About Us:

The Crockery Township Fire Department had its beginning in 1942 when it was formed under the Office of Civil Defense. The township bought 12 back pumps, each holding five gallons of water and equipped with a spray type nozzle. The fire control group consisted of Thad Libbey (chairman), William Copp, McCleve Easterly, Joseph Schmidt, B.L. Taylor, E. B. Faichild and supervisor, Ervin Heckse. These men were appointed by location and reliability to cover the township. Residents spotting a fire called the chairman who in turn called all the others and they all then rushed to the fire scene.

After World War II, as the township grew it became necessary to organize a motorized fire department. In 1947 the present truck was a Chevrolet and cost $5400.00 fully equipped with all the required pumps, hoses, etc. The more sophisticated vehicles of today cost in excess of $200,000.00 and are often custom built to department specifications.

The first department consisted of sixteen volunteers who received no pay. Three years later, in 1950, an allowance of $2.00 per run was paid to each man who actually went to the fire.

The first chief was Jack Peterson, followed by Sam Brown, Jud Baldus, Leo Brown (15 years), Larry Lanbregtse, Joel Sheridan and current Fire Chief Gary Dreyer.

For more information about our history visit the Dept. History Page

Our fire department is one of the finest in the state, with well trained personnel, skilled in fire fighting and medical emergencies.

Misson and Purpose

It is the mission of the Crockery Township Fire Department to provide the citizens and visitors of Crockery Township with highly skilled, well equipped, effective and professional fire and emergency service in the most cost effective, courteous and proficient manner.

The purpose of the Crockery Township Fire Department is to encourage the prevention of loss of life, property and productivity through education, suppression and emergency care in the most efficient manner possible with available resources.