CONTACT MEMBER PORTAL NEWS TRANSLATE CHINESE (SIMPLIFIED) ENGLISH SPANISH ABOUT EDUCATION SERVICES WORK WITH US DISTRICT BOARD HOME ABOUT HISTORY History Firefighters Prayer When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age. Help me to embrace a little child before it’s too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my neighbor and protect his property. And if according to your will I have to lose my life, bless with your protecting hand my loving family from strife. Overview Past Chiefs Deceased Fighters 911 Serving Louisville Since 1885 In 1885, the first known fire companies were established in Louisville to support the various local coal mines. The Welch Mine and Welch hose company provided fire suppression to the town until around 1895 when a group of local citizens started to petition the local trustees asking for a volunteer fire company dedicated to protecting the local homes. In February of that year, the trustees approved a local ordinance to create a city department and incorporation papers were filed with the state of Colorado. The 1895 ordinance also specified that there would be a chief engineer, an assistant chief engineer, and a hook and ladder company with no more than 50 members, and a hose company with no more than 30 active members. The first ordinance went on to outline the rules and authority at a fire, “In all cases of fire the hose company that shall reach a fire hydrant first with the necessary hose, shall be entitled to use the hydrant. If the company does not have enough hose the other company can attach their hose, however, the first company was entitled to use the nozzle at the fire”. 1898 Hose Carts Like most hose companies of that era, Louisville experienced its fair share of devastating structure fires. Fire was used as a primary source of heating and cooking, making fires a common experience. Unfortunately, water for fighting fire was scarce and there was no municipal water system like we enjoy today. Until the city established its own water system, fire companies used bucket brigades from the various cisterns, ponds, creeks and elevated water tanks. Around 1898, the community received its first hose cart, and would eventually have 3 dedicated hose carts before the first hose truck was put in service in 1932. 1st Fire Station In January of 1900, a bell tower was constructed to alert the local volunteer hose companies and in 1902 a new town hall and fire station was built for $1,500. In 1952 the community built a new city hall with the fire department still attached. After 100 years of providing fire service to the city of Louisville, the various local coal mines and some surrounding area farms, the department built a stand-alone fire station on North Main Street where it is still in service today. 1902 1952 1st New Fire Truck The City approved the purchase of its first new fire truck, a 1952 International for $9,000. 1977 – From Department To District As time passed and the community grew, the department transitioned from a city department to a special district. In 1977, the board of directors soon realized that a second station was necessary to meet the service demands of a growing community. Station #2 was built in 1985 and currently serves as the district headquarters and administrative building. FOR EMERGENCIES, CALL 9-1-1 NON-EMERGENCY DISPATCH: 303-441-4444 BUSINESS OFFICES: Station 2 895 Via Appia Way Louisville, CO 80027 OFFICE PHONE: 303-666-6595 HOURS: M - Th: 8 AM - 5 PM F: 8 AM - Noon SITE POLICIES ©copyright 2021 LFPD