Timeline

The following timeline was taken from a December 23, 1999 Daily Tribune Article and other sources.

1908

The Royal Oak Fire Department, comprised entirely of volunteers, is organized, at the home of undertaker William Sullivan.

1912

A fire on Main Street destroys the block between Third and Fourth Streets.

1917

George Kerry's barn on Crooks Road catches fire and burns to the ground. The loss is valued at $400.

1917

Two policemen are appointed to make regular rounds because of a string of robberies. They are also to watch for fires and keep men and boys from blocking sidewalks and making rude remarks to women and girls.

1922

The Gamewell fire alarm system is installed throughout the city.

1924

A permanent trained, paid fire department is established, Martin Bishop is named Chief.

1927

Northwood Fire Station No. 2 opens at the comer of Crooks and Webster.

1935

Royal Oak Fire Fighters join the International Association of Fire Fighters (I.A.F.F.) and the Michigan State Fire Fighters Association (M.S.F.F.A.).

1935

Station No. 1 being remodeled, Fire Department works out of the Farmers Market.

1952

Headquarters station moved from Sixth and Main to new station at Sixth and Troy.

1953

Royal Oak adds two new fire stations. Station No. 3 is at the corner of Rochester Road and 13 Mile Road; Station No. 4 is at the corner of Woodward and 13 Mile Road.

1962

100-foot ladder truck put into service, 12 men added.

1963

The old Stauch farm house, facing 12 Mile Road on the present site of the Red Run Golf Course is burned down as a practice exercise for the Fire Department.

1967

Royal Oak assisted Detroit Fire Department during riots, National Guardsmen help man trucks.

1980

Mason Chrysler-Plymouth burns.

1980

Royal Oak closes Fire Station No. 2 and eliminates 18 positions.

1983

Two large fires in 400 block of South Washington.

1988

Riggers fire, L9-12 damaged.

1989

Gamewell system discontinued and removed.

1994

Advanced Life Support incorporated into Fire Department services.

2001

135-foot Bronto articulating aerial truck purchased for $966,296.

Last Updated on January 30, 2003.