Volunteer Fire Department
The Thomson Township / Esko Volunteer Fire Department was founded in 1949 by a very dedicated bunch of local men who knew very little about forming and operating a fire department. However, they all had the desire and knowledge to protect lives and property of thier neighbors from the perils of fire.
Like most volunteer departments starting out in small communities they often had to beg and borrow for operating funds and equipment. The men, in local welding shops, fabricated much of the early apparatus. Often working well into the evening and still getting up early to go to full time jobs. Prior to the construction of the present station, the equipment was housed in spare stalls of the district bus garage. An outdoor siren alerted members. In later years a "fire phone" system was provided; this system was a party line that rang in the members' homes. Today all members carry pagers, yet the same siren still sounds for most runs. From the start, a women's auxiliary supported the members. They often conducted fund-raisers for the benefit of the department and provided coffee and goodies when called upon.
The current station has had three additions. By ordinance, the department is allowed to have up to 35 members. We attempt to keep the roster at about 32 members, however, it is becoming more and more difficult to keep those numbers up. All hiring is done in accordance with accepted hiring practices. Members are no longer voted onto the department by the existing membership. We have maintained a roster of all members through the years. Several family names are repeated on the roster. Often brothers, fathers, and sons.
In the mid 70's, the department started to respond to medical emergencies in support of the local ambulance provider. In a typical year, we respond to about 100 alarms. About 70% of these are rescue or medical in nature. The taxpayers of the Township have always been very appreciative and supportive of our efforts. We maintain an excellent fleet of modern fire and rescue apparatus.
We are all very proud of our history and the tradition established by our founders. We have the finest equipment money can buy. However, our best asset continues to be members of the department who continue to volunteer to protect the lives and property of their friends and neighbors.