From Phil Stenholm:
Another chapter in the series about the History of the Evanston Fire Department.
THE FIREMAN
In 1954, the Evanston Fire Department underwent a change in its civil service ranks. The title of "lieutenant" was removed, and the position became known as "captain II," while the previous rank of "captain" was renamed "captain I." The new captain II role came with a slightly higher salary, and to be promoted to this position, a lieutenant needed to serve at least one year in that capacity. After another year in the captain II role, the firefighter would automatically advance to captain I.
Out of the seven lieutenants at the time, five—Leonard Bach, Herb Claussen, George "Bud" Hofstetter, George Jasper, and Willard Thiel—were immediately promoted to captain II. However, due to their promotions taking place on January 1, 1954, and having less than a full year of experience as lieutenants, Harry Schaeffer Jr. and Richard Schumacher had to wait until January 1, 1955, for their promotions. As a result, Harry Schaeffer Jr. and Richard Schumacher became the final lieutenants of the EFD. From that point forward, all promotions would be directly from firefighter I to captain II.
During the 1953-54 period, the Evanston Fire Department faced two major "storefront" fires.
The first was at the Suburban Surgical Supply Company store on 604 Davis Street on March 2, 1953. Recognizing the high value of property in the downtown area, the initial response included three engine companies and one truck company. A second alarm summoned a fourth engine company, a second truck company, and Squad 21. Firefighters managed to contain the flames within the building of origin. Although the store was completely gutted, the damage amounted to $100,000, placing it among the top five highest losses from a single fire in Evanston's history up to that time, alongside the Tapecoat fire (1951) and the Evanston Country Club fire (1922).
The second fire occurred in September 1954 at the A & P supermarket located at 2106 Central Street in North Evanston. Engine Co. 23 was the first responder and detected a light haze of smoke inside the store. Upon arrival of the second engine company and the truck company, firefighters entered the premises to locate the source of the smoke when the ceiling partially collapsed. Fortunately, all personnel escaped unscathed, though Capt. Ron Ford, Capt. Herb Claussen, and firefighters Arnold Windle, Dave Tesnow, and Ted Bierchen sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals. A second alarm and recall of the off-duty platoon were issued, primarily to replace the injured members. Despite the lack of dramatic flair, the A & P suffered approximately $70,000 in damages from fire, smoke, and water, and the firefighters narrowly avoided a catastrophe.
Released in October 1954 and now in the public domain, the Evanston Fire Department starred in an educational short film produced by Encyclopedia Britannica under the guidance of esteemed educator Dr. Ernest Horn from the University of Iowa. Titled simply "The Fireman," the storyline mirrored that of the classic 1903 Edwin S. Porter silent film "The Life of an American Fireman," showcasing several Evanston firefighters and demonstrating the capabilities of some of the new Pirsch vehicles. Though it didn't win an Academy Award, the film was screened in schools across the nation.
SYNOPSIS (SPOILER ALERT!):
A rookie firefighter named "Tom Briggs" (though his real name remains undisclosed, assuming his first name is Tom and he's a new recruit finishing his first year, it might as well be Tom Kostopoulos) arrives at Station #1 for his shift and joins the lineup for morning inspection. Chief "Jim" Dorband (real name EFD Chief Henry Dorband) gives his approval and sends the team on their way. Firefighter Tom is assigned as tillerman on one of the aerial-ladder trucks under the watchful eye of duty officer "Captain Drake" (likely platoon drillmaster and Engine 25 Capt. Ed Fahrbach).
Under the supervision of Captain Drake and Chief Dorband, Fireman Tom and the rest of the crew participate in a training session. Tom and another firefighter ascend Truck 21’s aerial-ladder to the roof of the fire station to demonstrate the functioning of the hose roller. Another firefighter simulates smoke inhalation and is carried down a ladder and revived using an inhalator. Yet another leaps into a life net from the top of the drill tower.
Once training concludes, the exhausted firefighters settle into the station for a brief respite. Suddenly, an announcement crackles over the firehouse PA system: "Alarm! – Third & Main… Alarm! – Third & Main." Firefighters don their gear, slide down the pole to the first floor, and the Pirsch rigs roar out of Station #1, heading west on Lake Street, likely pondering, "Where the heck is Third & Main?"
After numerous turns, we see Truck 21 heading south on Hinman Avenue, but somehow F-1 (Chief Dorband) and the Pirsch convoy end up at 2160 Isabella Street, on the Evanston/Wilmette border! Smoke billows from the residence, and firefighters spring into action. Engine 21 and Engine 25 lead the charge. One pumper connects to the hydrant at the southwest corner of Isabella and Green Bay Road, while Truck 22 extends its main line to the roof at the rear of the structure.
In short order, Fireman Tom and Captain Drake, equipped with SCBA, enter the house, rescue little Judy’s kitten, extinguish the blaze, and the teams pack up. The men return to the station. The End.
The Evanston Fire Department often took advantage of opportunities to practice their skills by conducting drills at buildings slated for demolition. This appears to have been the case here, as the location of the house would eventually become part of a grocery store parking lot.
Encyclopedia Britannica also released another educational short film titled "The Policeman" in November 1954. Filmed partly inside the Evanston police station and partly outdoors in Highland Park, "The Policeman" follows HPPD "Officer Barnes" and his partner in Car 91 as they patrol the streets of Highland Park. They recover a stolen bicycle, issue a traffic ticket, and locate a missing child. Officer Barnes is portrayed as a relatable individual, enjoying breakfast with his family before starting his shift and returning home afterward.
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