Poulsbo Fire Department History - Poulsbo, Washington, USA

A Brief Written History of Poulsbo Fire Department

Part 6 - 1960 to 1970
This was a period of great expansion and change within the Department. First, in May 1960, a brand new American LaFrance advanced model pumper/engine fire truck built from the ground up was ordered having a 1000 gallon per minute rated pump. The truck was constructed in Elmira, New York and in order to save costs of delivery and also to provide a pleasurable trip to two long time members. Chief Rudie Iverson and Leif Ness flew to the east coast taking their wives along. The drive across country with the new fire truck was a wonderful sightseeing journey all the way, although sitting four wide in the cab was slightly crowded. No undue events or breakdowns occurred. However, one morning the troupe was getting into the cab for an early start from a motel at about 5:00 a.m. On entering the cab, one of the ladies accidentally stepped on the floor button, setting off the siren. It was not long before every motel door was open with people flocking out in night clothes expecting to see a fire and not happy to be awakened so early. The fire truck quickly departed with the driver hiding his face from the on-lookers.

This new truck was a great addition. It was paid for by the City of Poulsbo and therefore was reserved for fire calls within the City limits. The older 1951 Ford pumper truck was used for all out of Poulsbo calls and as a secondary unit within the City. Both trucks would therefore respond within the City limits with two crews working to extinguish the fire, but using only the equipment on the larger truck, the smaller Ford being held in readiness should there be a need to answer another call.

By 1960, the need for an organized fire district outside the City limits was seen. The cost of the equipment required to properly cover the area both in and out of the City was more then the tax base of the City of Poulsbo and the donations from the annual Firemen's Ball could support. Tax money from outside the City limits was necessary if the commitment to properly protect this area was to be fulfilled. Rudie Iverson, together with Charlie Olson, Martin Anderson, and others began holding a series of meetings in the grange halls, fraternal halls, and churches to acquaint the residents of the desirability of forming fire protection districts that could elect fire commissioners and levy taxes for fire protection purposes. Accordingly, in 1961, Fire District 17 in Lemolo was formed and immediately contracted with Poulsbo for fire protection. The next year, 1962, Fire District 18 was formed, comprising most of the area north of Poulsbo (but not the town limits of Port Gamble), east to Suquamish, and on the west side from Keyport north and west to Hood Canal except for the Navy Base at Bangor.

With this additional tax base, District 18 was able to purchase a new Ford truck fitted with a 1,000 gallon per minute Curtis pump. Then, in 1965, a Boardman 1,200 gallon tanker was purchased on a Ford truck chassis.

As the number of people living in and around Poulsbo increased, so did the capability of the Fire Department. The men within the Department were taking greater pride in their duties and many were attending firefighter's schools as well as classes taught at the regular Monday night meetings. The Chief and others were attending schooling for fire chiefs and directors.
With all the additional rolling stock, it was determined that a new and enlarged station was required in Poulsbo. Fire Commissioners Vince Prouty, Jack Oas, and Nick Lakeness acting for District 18 together with the City Council of Poulsbo signed an agreement and the new quarters were constructed adjacent to the former. The work was accomplished without need for a special or additional tax levy.

More people continued to move into the north end of the County and were constructing much larger and higher value homes. Quicker response in the north was indicated. A site at Surfrest Park for a new station was selected but it was not completed and operational until 1971. By this time the Poulsbo Fire Department was comprised of two fire-proof construction stations: one in downtown Poulsbo and one at Surfrest Park, three engine pumper trucks each with 500 to 1,000 gallons of water in tanks, and one tank truck with 1200 gallon capacity.

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