Take a stroll through the history of the Woodbury Firefighters Alumni Association.
1942
Woodbury Township writes fire protection agreement with St. Paul Park Fire Department.
1955
First housing development built; fire protection agreement written with East County Line Fire Department
1959
“Garage fire” reported as “grass fire”; Woodbury Civic Organization begins looking at starting a fire department.
1961
Woodbury Fire Department incorporates and begins to serve the city.
From the Aug. 1, 1961, department meeting minutes with six men present. Larry Bostow was elected Fire Chief, Robert Kane Asst. Fire Chief, Howard Radke Secretary and Ken Wolterstroff as Treasure. The other two men present were Grover Kraemer and Corwin Biebighauser.
First annual Fireman’s Ball and Bear Feed at Woodbury Community Center.
1962
From the March 16, 1962, department minutes: Chief Larry Bostow reported that St. Paul Park Fire Dept. had an engine and pumper for sale for a price of $500. Note: There are a number of different references in the 1962 minutes pertaining to apparatus that different departments have for sale with motions to look into purchasing, but were not really sure which were purchased… Minneapolis Fire had two American LaFrance truck for sale, Lakeville has one truck.
1963
From the May 9, 1963 department minutes: Walt Moore and Dick Orth gave reports from the Fire Station Building Committee—Walt Moore reported on the new plans presented on a steel frame building for a cost of $9,247, size 50′ by 40′. This is just the building no heat, plumbing or electric. Dick Orth reported that we could build a concrete building for $5.75 per sq. ft. or $11,040, includes everything but paint.
At the Oct. 14, 1963 department meeting it was announced that phone number 739-5200 was being held for the new fire station.
Woodbury buys a 1946 Ford 500 gpm pumper from Lake Johanna Fire Department for $3,500. Terms are $500 down, $750 per year at 5.5 percent interest until it’s paid for. (Dec. 17, 1963 meeting minutes)
Fire Dept. invited to attend Capitol City Fireman’s Association annual meeting and training at Lake Elmo station. (Aug. 8, 1963 minutes)
The Woodbury Fire Dept. Womens Auxiliary was officially formed.
Womens Auxillary held first fundraising bake sale event.
1964
“Grand Opening” set for Jan. 18, 1964—Woodbury’s first fire station on Upper Afton Road is open for business. Up until this time, members stored fire apparatus at their homes.
Fire Dept. joins Wakota Mutual Aid Association. (Feb. 18, 1964 meeting minutes)
Women’s Auxillary makes donation of $300 to Fire Department to put towards purchase of it’s first Scott Air Paks.
Women’s Auxillary holds first annual Spagetti Dinner.
Women’s Auxillary holds its first Bazaar and Fun Fest.
1965
Women’s Auxillary gives a donation of $600 toward final payment on the first two Scott Air Paks.
Women’s Auxillary holds luncheon style show to raise funds.
Women’s Auxillary purchases a (Swede) k-12 rescue saw for the fire department.
1967
Plans to added onto the Afton Road fire station discussed. Only one bid received $11,900.62 for the addition, does not include the proposed hose tower. (Aug. 14, 1967 minutes)
Fire Department participates in First annual Woodbury Fire Department Childrens Chrismas Party held on Dec. 23 at the Afton Road Fire Station. All of the firefighters had young children, so a resident from Park Hills sat in for Santa Clause.
1969
The first “real” fire truck is purchased—a 1969 Howe Defender with Cincinnati cab and diesel engine (third diesel delivered to Twin Cities)… RED!
1970
Fire Department agrees to staff ambulance service for Woodbury Ambulance Council.
1975
New City Hall completed; (Radio Drive) includes city’s second fire station; second ambulance placed in service.
1977
Delivery of 1976 Howe/LTI 85′ aerial. Unit is painted lime yellow with white cab. Sets standard for all future deliveries.
1978
Fire department purchases first of two mini-pumpers from General Safety. Truck is on a Ford L-8000 Chassis with a standard two-person cab, a 1000 gpm pump w/500 gallons on water and room for three to ride on the tailboard.
1979
Mike Reber appointed fire marshal, city’s first full-time fire employee.
Fire Department purchases second mini-pumper. Same design as the 1978 engine, but this one has a diesel engine.
1980
Fire department decides to stop providing ambulance service to South Oakdale.
1981
Chief Jerry Rosendahl resigns to take a fulltime Asst. Fire Chiefs position with Hastings Fire Department. Phil Halper elected Fire Chief to replace Rosendahl.
- Retired as the Minnesota STATE Fire Marshall
Cal Richardson, Ray Southward and Harris Rogers retire from fire department. They are the first Woodbury firefighters to retire with 20 years of service.
1982
Fire Department hires Julie Sedlock and Christina Lopez as first female firefighters.
1984
Fire department hires first part-time secretary.
1985
Firefighter/EMTs trained to provide intermediate life support skills AEDs and IVs.
1986
After almost 10 years, fire department votes to return to red color for fire trucks. However, the use of white and red can’t be decided, so the rigs stay yellow by default.
Fire department purchases a 1986 demo fire Pumper from Custom Fire. This unit replaces on of the 1978 mini-pumper which is traded-in. Demo Pumper is red, but it was painted lime green.
1988
Fire department purchases new fire engine. This is a twin to the 1986 engine and an addition to the fleet.
1989
Third fire station completed (Thames Rd) ; third ambulance placed in service.
1990
Headquarters fire station remodeled. Former City Hall becomes Public Safety building.
1993
Corporation sells assets to city, dissolves. First full-time Fire Chief hired—Ken Southorn.
1994
Reber retires, Kevin Mahle named Fire Marshal.
Dick Stehura elected as the last Paid-On-Call Fire Chief for the WFD.
1995
Dispatching switched to Washington County after years of service from Maplewood PD. Switch is done to aid communications for the two-tiered advanced life support system.
Department receives twin pumpers. Two new Ford Custom Fire Full Response Crew Cab, 1,500 gpm, 750 gallon engines delivered.
Advanced Life Support program implemented. The program is a two-tiered program, with ALS provided by police officer/paramedics and BLS provided by fire department EMTs.
Southorn resigns. Mike Richardson named Acting Fire Chief.
Police-Paramedic program is implemented.
1996
July 1, Public Safety Department created, reorganization takes place, Mike Richardson officially named Fire Chief.
Kevin Mahle appointed Sr. Division Commander (Assistant Fire Chief Responsibilities), Jim Allen and Russ Hawkinson appointed paid-on-call Division Commanders.
1999
Fire department takes delivery of a new pumper/tanker. This is the first CAF’s pumper delivered in Minnesota. It’s red.
2000
Construction of fourth fire station planned at Woodbury Drive and Fox Run Road. Afton Road Station due to be replaced.
City hires fulltime firefighter/fire inspector (Brent Ricketson)
2001
City hires two full-time firefighters. (Becker and Beeson)
2002
Fox Run station is opened.
Fire Department takes delivery of a 75′ Telesqurt which was built be General Safety. This is a twin to a Maplewood truck, both were purchased under the same bid.
2003
Fire department takes delivery a new fire pumper. This truck has a new short wheelbase design with a rear mounted pump, roll-up doors on a Spartan chassis.
2004
Fire department takes delivery of a second new pumper, a twin to the 2003 delivery. Both trucks were built by General Safety.
Fire Department takes deilvery of a new 100′ Ladder Platform built by Pierce. This truck replaces the old 1976 Howe 85′ Aerial.
2007
The is replaced with a new building.
2008
Fire department takes delivery of a new low profile mini-pumper. This unit is set-up with a CAF’s pump system.
2009
New statewide 800 MHz radio system goes live in Washington County.
2011
Radio Drive Fire Station renovated.
Celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the WFD.
Woodbury Firefighters Alumni Association established.
2012
WFFAA holds first annual Golf Outing
2016
WFFAA awards first annual $500 Public Safety Scholarship.
2019
Chief Mike Richardson retires from the WFD after 43 years of service to the WFD.
2021
WFD celebrates its 60th anniversary.
WFFAA hosts WFD Reunion Picnic to commemorate the milestone.
WFFAA celebrates 10 year anniversary.
Chief John Walgren retires from the WFD after 31 years of service.
Chris Klein named as the fifth full-time Fire Chief of the WFD.
2022
The City of Woodbury – Fire Division announces a change of the current combination full-time / part-time response model and the projected dismantling of the paid on-call staff and the WFBA (Woodbury Firefighters Benefit Association).
WFFAA Public Safety Scholarship program grows from a single $500 award to 3-$500 awards.
2023
On February 3rd, The City of Woodbury and the WFFAA host an “End of an Era” appreciation dinner celebrating and honoring the 61 years of proud volunteerism and commitment of over 550 men and women.
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