MEMBERS

Big Growth: 1953-1979 

 

In 1953, storage of the department's fire apparatus moved from the Town Hall to a new garage at 57th Avenue and Zephyr Street. The Arvada Town Hall, which has since been razed, had served as the department's fire station and meeting place since 1915.

1953 also marked the district's first employment contract. The board hired Elizabeth Schmitt to receive emergency telephone calls, sound the department's outdoor siren, and then telephone the firemen with the location of the emergency. Mrs. Schmitt worked from her home at 5701 Zephyr St. and agreed to be available at all times for a monthly salary of $150.

"Fritz" Sedlmayr served as fire chief longer than any other man in the department's history. During Chief Sedlmayr's term, the department roster tripled in size and fire stations were erected at 7900 W. 57th Ave., 12205 W. 52nd Ave., 7300 Kipling St., and 6845 W. 68th Ave. Chief Sedlmayr was regarded as "one of Arvada's most dedicated public officials" in a newspaper article published in 1967 near the end of his 16-year term. 

 

Loss of civilian lives and property from fire increased, as did Arvada's growth during the 1960s and 1970s. A commercial business fire in 1968 claimed a civilian's life, as did a house fire on September 28, 1977.

Fortunately, no lives were lost during an incident on December 4, 1978 when flaming drums of combustible liquids were hurled hundreds of feet into the air during explosions at the Thoro Products Company Fire. Some west Arvada residents still recall the fiery sky during a night in which winds gusted at speeds above 100 mph.

The 1970s also brought six full-time employees devoted to fire prevention, as well as a district manager, communications supervisor, mechanic, supply clerk, and secretary. Significant improvements took place as communications evolved from an antiquated siren system to a staffed radio communication center in less than a decade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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