Birch Run Township Fire Department
History
Prior
to the organization of the Birch Run Township Fire Department, a second
hand fire truck was purchased through contributors in 1917. The Model T
truck was housed in Claud Reid's garage and manned by volunteers.
In the winter of 1941, after several fires occurred, we came to realize that our firefighting equipment was obsolete and worn out. A few local citizens took it upon themselves to call a meeting, which was held at the Birch Run State Bank, to discuss ways and means to secure modern fire fighting equipment. The consensus of opinion was that the equipment should be owned and operated by the Township. A public meeting was then held at the Birch Run Township Hall and a petition was circulated that the Township raise by taxation the amount of $5000 to buy a new truck and equipment to build a building to house the equipment. This petition was approved by the voters by a large majority at the spring election.
|
Fire calls were received at the local funeral home and they ran to the fire station to sound the siren to alert firefighters. Along with mutual aid to neighboring departments, Birch Run Township Fire Department provided protection for Taymouth Township and Albee Township until their departments were formed. |
Birch Run Township Fire Department's first station was located on Conquest Street north of Main Street, the current location of Credit Union Plus. In 1970 a new fire station and township hall were built on Main Street at our present location. In 1998 the Township office moved to a new location allowing the fire department to expand into the entire building creating an additional truck bay, office, and increased meeting/training room space |
December 28, 1941
Birch Run School District No. 5
January 9, 1956
Chas Wolohan Inc. Lumber Yard
March 18, 1968
Exit Restaurant
August 11, 1969
Wickes Elevator
December 30, 1980
Conlee Oil
November 22, 1984
Christys Eatery and Pub
March 1, 1990
Suski Body Shop
December 20, 2002
Birch Run Fire Department's 10,000th call
August 5, 2007
Burger King / BP Gas Station