Sparks Fire Department (SFD) History
The Sparks Fire Department began its service to the community far back in May of 1905 as an all volunteer organization with just fire buckets and hand pulled hose carts on hand. The department was first staffed by only 11 men (one chief, two lieutenants and eight firefighters).
In 1917, the Department started its evolution into a paid/career organization. William R. Shaber became the first paid Fire Chief, serving in the position from 1917 to 1939. Although the force was still mostly volunteers, they were given a small sum based on the number of fires they had responded to. Chief Shaber had been connected with the Sparks Fire Department since its creation, when he served as a volunteer. It was under his supervision as Fire Chief that the Sparks fire equipment was motorized. He placed the order for the first mechanical fire engine in Sparks in March of 1917, an American LaFrance 75 horsepower, 300 gallon-per-minute pumper. Later that year a brick building on the corner of 12th and C Street was purchased (nearby where the Galaxy theater sits today) was purchased and made into the City’s first real fire station.
During the organization’s over 100 year history, the Sparks Fire Department has endeavored to provide the highest level of fire protection, fire rescue, fire prevention, and emergency medical care to the citizens, businesses and visitors of the City of Sparks and continues to do so.
Image: Michael Misanik.
