|
The department, which turned 50 on July 15, 2006, has come a long
way since its humble beginnings. In 1954, Security Coloardo, was just in the
planning stage for a community of the future, with only two show homes and ten
homes available on Security Blvd. By 1956 the growth in community was ever
growing.
With all the new residents flooding into the area, there was a
great deal of pressure and demand in get a fire department up and running. The
first meeting of the to be-formed department was held at one of the newest
building in town (Widefield Elementary).
|
|
|
Thankfully, partners from the company primarily responsible for
the first homes in the area, the American Builders Company donated the first
fire truck to the department (1941 Peter Pirsch). The first fire house was
connected to an old cabinet shed located just blocks away from the current
Station #1, which housed the volunteer department for about three years until
the current fire station was built in 1959.
Over the years that followed, the growth in the community was
increasing along with the calls for service, over 100 calls a year. With a 30
to 40 volunteer force the need for paid firefighters became essential. In 1978,
Station 2 was build to handle the continue growth. The department also hired
its first paid firefighters, which would staff station one and station two
during the day and then would be relieved by volunteers at night. In 1988
Station 3 was built and additional paid firefighters were hired along with
active recruiting for more volunteers.
Today, the Security Fire Department is one of the largest
departments in El Paso County, serving the ever-growing population of Security
and Widefield. Today the department now employs 12 full-time personnel, a paid
Fire Chief, 50 volunteers, and has an average call volume of 2400 calls a year
for service.
|
