DeKalb Firefighters IAFF Local 1236

Local 1236 A brief history

1869 Volunteer hose and ladder companies established in DeKalb February 4, 1904 Fire Company No. 1 opens at the old North 4th St station (built in 1903 between Locust and Lincoln Highway on the east side of the street), and the first four full-time firefighters begin service. They spent 6 days in a row on duty with a 12 hour break on the 7th day, and one week of vacation per year. 1926 24/24 platoon system put in place 1950’s Shifts moved to 24/48 platoon system, and the department takes over all EMS service in the city. April 16, 1956 Members of the DeKalb Fire Department join the International Association of Firefighters and Local 1236 is born. 1970’s DeKalb becomes one of the first Illinois departments to have state certified EMT-As on duty, as well as being one of the first departments in the country to institute paramedic service, which occurred during 1977. September 1, 1972 Firefighters move from the old North 4th St station to new Station 1 at 7th and Pine Sts. 1965 Fire Station #2 opened December, 1994 Fire Station #3 opened