Historic Midland

fire protection was non-existent. The Midland
Fire Department was first organized on a volunteer
basis in 1909 in response to two disastrous
fires which almost destroyed the downtown
business district. Initially, the department’s
equipment consisted of a hose cart purchased
on February 27, 1912 for $1,000. Later, the city
donated $200 to build a fire hall to house the
hose cart.
In 1916, the city purchased its first modern
engine from American LaFrance, a type 40 combination
with one 40-gallon Champion tank
with a junior pump, delivered June 20, 1917.
This engine was not expected to exceed 25 miles
per hour and not to travel over 150 miles during
the year. The two mechanics who were initially
trained in the engine were given a total of
24 hours of instruction.
Later, truck No. 2 was acquired in 1928, and
truck No. 3 was acquired in 1930. Unfortunately,
truck No. 3 was acquired only after a disastrous
lumber yard fire two years earlier.
The early fire department was not only to
furnish protection for the citizens of Midland,
but also served as a social club. Midland witnessed
many a dance, barbecue and Christmas
party sponsored by the Volunteer Fire
Department.
“It shall be the duty of every member on the
alarm of fire to appear at once to place of fire
and there remain unless ordered away on duty
or permission is granted to him to leave by the
officer in command.” (from the 1938 constitution
of the Midland Fire Department)
After World War II, it became obvious that a
Volunteer Fire Department could no longer service
the needs of Midland. Many of the volunteers
formed the nucleus of a soon to come
modern, fully-paid Midland Fire Department.
Midland’s Fire Department became fully paid
gradually—Chief James D. Walker was the first
paid firefighter. During his reign, the department
was partially paid and partially volunteer.
William E. “Bill” Klatt was the third paid firefighter
and the first Fire Marshall for Midland.
Doyle Fitzgerald was the second paid firefighter.
In 1952, J.M. Little became Fire Chief and
shortly thereafter the Midland Fire Department
became fully paid. As the city grew, stations,
manpower, and equipment improved.
The Midland Fire Department has grown
from a one-man, fully-paid department to its
present 163 members. What was once a station
department is now nine.
Chief Raymond Lewis succeeded Chief Little
in 1978 and started a rebuilding and modernization
program.
The present-day Midland firefighter is carrying
on the tradition started many years ago—
that of serving his community.
Medical Care Evolved from
Saddle Bags to Medical Center
Although learned men in wire rimmed glasses
with medical instruments carried in saddle
bags treated ill and injured residents of Midland
in the community’s earliest years, today an
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Above: The Midland Fire Department
was first organized on a volunteer
basis in 1909. The first modern
engine was purchased in 1917, the
No. 2 engine was bought in 1928, and
the No. 3 in 1930.
Below: Mrs. John Armstrong, a
volunteer for the Midland Memorial
Hospital Auxiliary, stands beside a
new piece of equipment in this
photograph. The hospital auxiliary,
organized in 1950, raises funds which
are used to purchase equipment to
benefit the hospital.
Early Midland: City of Windmills | 37