Pre-dating an official Poulsbo Fire Deparment, Melvin Borge served for 13 years as the person in North Kitsap to call when fire threatened. Key to the development of a true firefigthing infrastructure in the region, Melvin Borge set the stage for what was to become Poulsbo Fire Department. He was succeeded by the first official Fire Chief, Rudie Iverson in 1935.