|
|
History of the Bellevue Ky Fire DepartmentThe Bellevue Fire Department is a product of three volunteer fire companies organized in the mid 1800's to protect a developing riverfront community and its nearly 400 residents. This community known as "Bellevue" had been incorporated as a City on March 15, 1870. The original fire company of 35 men called themselves the "Peerless" and arranged for the purchase of Bellevue's first fire equipment, a man powered hose and reel. Other companies soon were put into operation and were called the "Summit" and the "Centers". With each company manned by over 30 members the rivalry was fierce. Contest and competitions were held regularly and increased the antagonism of the companies. Eventually all companies responded with man powered hose reels. Stations were located behind the school at Center and Lafayette Avenues, the Balke Opera House at Berry & Fairfield and on the west side of O'Fallon Avenue just south of Fairfield Avenue. Members of the Summit Fire Company in 1885 included: Chief Dan Disz, Frank Trik, Phil Langdon, H. Cornell, F. Trimbur, Phil Wallace, Wm. Leonard, Jim Dinan, B.A. Larger, W. Ueberschlag, Harry Krogman, Nick Borrow, F. Smith. D. Schaner, Dick Hall, Win. Fitzgerald. 
The department progressed from its man powered hose reel days in the year 1900 with the procurement of its first horse drawn equipment. The Bellevue City Council decided to purchase a hose and ladder wagon for the volunteers but the appropriation lacked one thing: money for a horse to pull the wagon. Early 1900 firefighters included: Joe Daniels, Lee Brinkman, Arch Cunningham, "Sky" Klett and Ray Yelton. As firefighters have done throughout their history, Bellevue's Bravest improvised. When an alarm sounded, the firefighters would commandeer the first horse in sight and unhitch the animal from the wagon he was pulling and harness him to the fire wagon. Some horse owners were said to give battle during this practice in fear of harm to the animal. More often, the horse would object by rearing, kicking, and snorting. Plan 2 came about in the early 1900's when Bellevue had one garbage collection wagon and a horse to pull it named "Dobbin". Ole Dobbin was assigned double duty. When a fire alarm came in, the horse would be intercepted on his aromic rounds, unhooked and galloped to the fire station to be hitched to the fire wagon. At night the horse was stalled in the fire station. Fire department stations in the early 1900's ranged from locations on lower Taylor Avenue, now the Dobbling Funeral Home garage: the Balke Opera house; Fairfield and Foote Avenue: the rear of the Garfield Building (Fraternal Hall) in the 300 block of Taylor Avenue; and in 1936 to its present location at the Old Poplar St. School Building, Poplar and VanVoast Avenues. The building also assumed the designation as the "City Building” or "Town Hall' with city official offices re located from Taylor Avenue. An addition was put on the building in 1955 to house the new and larger motorized vehicles necessary for up to date fire protection and provide a hall for volunteer fund raising events. 
In 1918 motor power became a reality in Bellevue with the purchase of an Ahrens Fox 500 gallon per minute pumper and in 1920 when a second 500gpm pumper was bought. It was around this time in 1918 when the Bellevue City offices and the fire department moved into Fraternal Hall on Taylor Avenue. The city arranged to pay a fire chief and two full time firemen. With the paid fireman handling most alarms and duties, many volunteers began drifting away from the department. A policy was later developed that when the fire alarm bell sounded, the chief asked bystanders to help fight the fire. Each person rendering assistance was paid $ 2.00 by the city, for their efforts. This system was used until 1934 when the need for more adequate fire protection was recognized. The Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department was reorganized and the first meeting was held in the Bellevue City Hall on October 10, 1934. Elected as officers were: Louis Wielert, President; Bill Walker, Vice President; Simon Uth Jr. Secretary Treasurer. Other members attending this first meeting were Chas. Carr, Ed Braun, Ed Krogmam Harry Walker, Frank Beauchampe, Evertt Highfill, Wm. Fuchs, Wm. Crowe, Al Johnston, and Robert Whitehead. At the meeting a talk was given by paid fireman Ray Yelton on how to call the Covington Fire Tower for help from other departments. At the second meeting on October 17, two dozen badges were purchased from the American LaFrance Company for seventy five cents each and the Constitution and By Laws were initiated for adoption. The men took upon themselves the duties of emergency response and fundraising. The volunteer organization operates basically the same to this day. The first money raised by the volunteers was through a monthly lotto. Members joining the department at the October 24, 1934 meeting were: Ed Poster, George Kuechler, Len Hawkins, Tobias Blenke, C. Miller, H. Cam, and D. Clephane. At this meeting a motion was passed to cancel the October 29 meeting so members could attend the Northern Kentucky Fireman's Association meeting in Dayton. In 1936, the volunteers purchased a used fire truck from the Cheviot, Ohio department for $175.00. This apparatus proved valuable the next year as the 1937 flood cut the City of Bellevue into two parts. Most members voluntarily worked 24 hour duty shifts during the flood, which was followed with many days and nights of pumping water from flooded basements while the floodwaters receded. By 1939, the benefit of a first class volunteer fire department was obvious and the department flourished with over 60 active members. The department was on the move. In 1940, through several years of fundraisers including street fairs, the volunteers made the down payment on a new 750 gpm Ahrens Fox pumper. The fire truck purchased in 1936 was later sold to Crescent Springs. In short order the entire $8,900.00 cost of the new "Fox" truck was paid off. The Ahrens Fox pumper was considered one of the finest in the state for a city of its size. Listed as the three regular fire wardens at this time were Chief James Federed, Ray Yelton, and William Dugan. Yelton also served terms as Fire Chief. Two used utility trucks were purchased in 1943. They were sold a year later due to lack of garage space. In 1944 a hose tower to dry and protect the cotton hose was constructed at the fire station on Poplar Street and a fire siren was acquired to summon volunteers in event of emergency. Another 750 gpm pumper, Buffalo in make, was purchased for $15,000.00 in 1946 and completely paid off in 1950. The "Buffalo" carried 400 gallons of water. The department was also proud to announce that as of 1949, both of these pumper trucks were equipped with new Chemox Oxygen Masks to allow firefighters entry into smoke filled conditions and other modern equipment representing an investment of "well over $35,000.00." In 1948 the Volunteer Fire Department advertised a Carnival on July 22, 23, 24. $300.00 in prizes was to be given away and firemen went door to door soliciting tickets. A published advertisement stated "so please have your ticket stubs ready when your Volunteer calls. Pay no money to anyone other than a man wearing the uniform cap and badge of the Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department.” Entertainment at the Carnival included: Fish Pond, Raffles, Wheels of Fortune, Bingo, Merry Go Round, Rides, and plenty to eat and drink. The major focus of the fire department throughout the 1950's was the need for more space to house the ever-growing department. Officers of the department in the year 1950 were: President Raymond Meyers, Vice President Herman Mauser, Secretary Frank Donnermeyer, Treasurer Henry Schutte, and Chaplain Al Runfond. Other members included: Andy Hardin, Andy Budd, Joe Betigheimer, Stan Swope, George Connett, Boots Sendelbach, Jake Uth, Ches Fenker, Bert Thomas, Bill Brock, Bill Huhn, and Mr. Gosney. 
In August of 1954, ground was broken for a new firehouse attached to the present city building and freeing up previously utilized space by the fire department for other city departments. This 2 story addition would be capable of housing 5 pieces of response apparatus with a 2nd floor hall occupying more than 200 people. Most of the work and all of the building materials were supplied by the volunteer fire department On May 19, 1956, the $45,000 project was completed and christened with a parade and dedication ceremony. Many citizens throughout Northern Kentucky and the State attended the civic celebration. Speakers at the dedication included: Bellevue Fire Chief A.R. (Gus) Bosch; Bellevue Mayor Robert P. Hummell; Bellevue Vol. Fire Dept. President Thomas Oates; State Fire Marshal Earl McDaniels, Lexington; Assistant State Fire Marshal Cecil Hicks, Lexington; Deputy State Fire Marshal Henry Hayes; William Fuchs Building Chairman; Commonwealth Attorney William Wise, Bellevue; County Commissioner James (Bus) Clark, Bellevue; and Circuit Judges Ray L. Murphy and Paul Stapleton who served as toastmaster. Also present and participating in the three division parade that marched through the city were representatives of over 14 area fire departments. A dance was held in the evening attended by over 250 well wishers. Through the late 50's and into the 1960's the department prospered. With a new modern fire station and up-to date equipment, the department turned to other avenues to enhance their service. Firefighter training became a number one priority. Members regularly participated in regional and state fire schools. A number of Bellevue firefighters instructed at these schools and were recognized as "tops in the state." Chief Bosch, Assistant Chief "Bud" Moore, and Fire Captains Ellis Lang, Tom Oates and Henry Schutte, were especially active in these roles. Fire prevention and education was also an area where the department expanded their mission. In March of 1959, the Kentucky Post reported, "Chief Bosch and the Bellevue Fire Department have adopted a plan of fire safety and rescue of children from school buildings in the event of fire or other emergencies." This new plan was in response to the tragic fire of December 1, 1958, at "Our Lady of the Angels" parochial school on Chicago's West Side where ninety two children and three nuns lost their lives in a devastating school day blaze. Chief Bosch's plan presented to school superintendents for compliance stated that since all schoolrooms have an American flag, "in event of fire or other distress, the American flag will be hung out the window from the room where the emergency exists. This can be accomplished by lowering a window on the flagshaft." The department felt that this practice should prove most valuable to rescue efforts, particularly in event of children being trapped from normal exits. Firemen arriving at the scene could concentrate their plan of approach and action immediately on the area where the flag is sighted. It was expected that all Departments of the Northern Kentucky Fireman's Association would adopt this same procedure. Tragedy came to the department in the year of 1960 with the sudden death of Chief August "Gus" Bosch. Bosch collapsed and died in the firehouse. Chief Bosch was 1st Vice President of the Kentucky Firefighters Association at the time of his death. Assistant Chief Franklin "Bud" Moore took over as fire chief and served until his retirement 14 years later in 1974. Chief Moore saw the department through some of its largest and most progressive purchases in the middle 60's and early 1970's. Four new Scott Air Packs were ordered in May of 1965. The state of the art, self contained breathing units were the first of its kind to the Bellevue department at a cost of $250.00 each. A new combination snorkel pumper truck was ordered in June of 1964. On September 15, 1965, this new Maxim 75' Snorkel Fire Truck was delivered to its proud owners, the Bellevue Fire Department. Officers of the volunteers a this time were President Bob Cayze, Vice President Carl Burkhardt, Recording Secretary Ed Krogman, Corresponding, Secretary Tom Waters, Treasurer Henry Schutte, Trustees Tim Oates, Bud Moore, Green Fugate, and Sergeant At Arms Bob Heise. 
This handsome unit attracted a great deal of attention because it was the first such snorkel unit to be delivered in Kentucky. The hydraulic operated aerial platform was its most unique feature. Sometimes called a "cherry picker" it allowed firefighters the ability to fight fire or rescue victims up to 75' in the air. The snorkel operated in continuous 360 degree rotation from first to seventh floors and could carry as many as five people or three rescue stretchers. Axes, ladder, hose and pike poles were carried and water and oxygen were pre piped to the basket. The truck also carried 200 gallons of water and was equipped with a 1000 gallon per minute pump. The volunteer department and the city treasury shared this $64,000.00 purchase equally. The superlative piece of mechanized apparatus was utilized for over 20 years by the department and its "sister cities." Through the middle 1960's department members included: Assistant Chief Richard "Dick" Mohr, Joe & Lou Betigheimer, Bob Branch, Cut Burkhardt, Andy Budd, Homer Campbell, Bob Cayze, Bob Dellaposta, Lou Duke, Dan Fausz, Ches Fenker, Dan Flarity, Gerry Ford, Green Fugate, Dick Halloran, Marty Hartung, Bob Heise, Howard Huhn, Bob Janson, M. Kafel, Ed & Jack Krogman, E. Lang Sr. & Jr., Jim Lutkinhoff, D. Martin, George Mogge, Barney Nagel, Dick Musick, Jack & Bill O'Hara, Tom Oates, Sr. Jr., Sonny & Tom Rechtin, Darby Robb, P. Rottman, Paul Schmidt, Henry Schutte, Terry Sexton, Ken & Steve Smith, Jack Sprague, Stan Swope, Jake Uth, Mike & Tom Waters, Ray Wiethorn, George Wormald and Will Young. 
Dances were a primary source of fundraising for the volunteer organization throughout the 1960's and 70's. Ranging from admission charges of $2.50 per person in 1965 to $12.00 per couple in 1979, the 5 fall, winter / spring dances averaged a full house of 200 people. Annual carnivals called "community nights" continued to bring income to the department in July of each year. The semi annual "coin bank" collections where firefighters would canvass the community to pass out and receive small coin containers from each residence allowed the organization to prosper financially and purchase more emergency equipment for the department. At the January 7, 1970 meeting of the department a letter of resignation from the position of drillmaster was read from Captain Tom Oates. Oates was given a standing ovation by the members.. He played a huge roll in bringing professional training to the volunteers throughout the 1960's. It was also during this time that the department realized the need for a new first line 1000 gallon per minute pumper truck and began plans for purchase. In Mach of 1970, the membership presented Ray Yelton with a gold life time member badge for his service dating back to the early 1900's. It was stated that Mr. Yelton was the driver of the horse drawn equipment in 1917. The department was also busy planning for the city's centennial celebration as Bellevue's 100th birthday was upon them.
The Bellevue "centennial" brought a great deal of fanfare to the city in 1970. The fire department was especially active. The annual “community night” festival was one fire dept. activity tied in with the many city events of 1970. The early 1970's saw many young members join the volunteers. The men worked in conjunction with the city's fire department budget on many purchases including: plectrons to alert members of an alarm, air packs, coats, boots, hose, nozzles, hose washer, salvage tarps and other equipment. Early 1974 saw the retirement of Chief Bud Moore and the city's appointment of Chief Richard A. Mohr. Mohr had served as a paid Assistant Chief and was extremely active in training and local, regional and state fire associations. Chief Mohr brought a renewed commitment of enhanced fire ground performance to the department. With a 5 person paid department at the time, personnel worked an average 67 hour week being 1 day on, 1 off, 1 on, 2 off. In January of 1977 an additional paid employee was added allowing employees the 56 hour average work week, working one day on and two days off. Tragedy again struck the department on April 13, 1980, when Chief Dick Mohr died unexpectedly at his home. Chief Mohr was 45 years old and had joined as a volunteer member of Bellevue Fire Department in 1957. His short 6 year tenure as fire chief is viewed as one of the most productive in its storied history. 
In 1978, the volunteers totally financed the purchase of a GMC rescue truck and related equipment including the Hurst "Jaws of Life". With the construction of 1 471 and increased city traffic the department took on the mission of being the only department in northern Campbell County to have heavy rescue capabilities. Chief Mohr's forthsightedness enabled the department to enhance manpower. He led the department to an increased effort in fire prevention and inspection work, laying a foundation for the present day public education and inspection programs. He also set in motion a plan to increase the cities fire insurance rating through added purchases and instituting record keeping practices. Through Chief Mohr's effort, greater mutual aid benefits were realized in working alliances with other departments. Former comrades recognized Chief Mohr posthumously in 1983 when they dedicated the new Sutphen pumper truck in his memory. A plaque is mounted on Engine 201 to signify this honor. MAJOR BELLEVUE FIRE DEPARTMENT INCIDENTS
• January, 1937 --- March, 1964 --- March, 1997: Flooding of Ohio River. Rescue, damage control and
relief effort.
Succeeding Chief Mohr was Jack Krogman Sr. A volunteer since 1956, Krogman was appointed as paid fire chief on July 9, 1980. Chief Krogman's regime saw the department specify and purchase a new 1983 Sutphen pumper. This 1000 gpm unit enabled the department to retire the 1946 Buffalo. Chief Krogman served as one of six paid employees in 1980 along with Homer Campbell, John Daley, Fred Schmidt, Jim Specht, and Dave Camm. Dan McHale, Don Overman, John Henderson and Mark Seeger were full time hires during Chief Krogman's time in office. In April, 1980, a group of firefighter spouses and civic minded ladies initiated a "women's auxiliary". The auxiliary is still in existence and aids the department in many ways including equipment purchases. Some of the members and officers over the past 21 years include: Rose Branch, Mary Jo Burkhardt, Tina Flotemersch, Sharon Bishop, Barbara Krogman, Jana Camm, Bobbie Camm, Thelma Campbell, Debbie Germann, Venessa Groneck Sue Maxwell, Sue McHale. Audrey Mercer, Cathy Moore, Hazel Pierce, Diane Almoschlecher, Marie Schutte, Rita Schoulthies Donna Sparks, Ginny Wormald and Valerie Wagner. Many others have also served and done an exemplary job in assisting the department. On December 27th 1985, the city installed Ralph Quitter as Fire Chief to replace Chief Krogman. Chief Quitter, recently retired as Chief of the Newport Fire Department, served Bellevue through the year of 1994. During Chief Quitter's watch, the department saw its insurance rating improve from a Grade 6 to a Grade 4 affording all citizens and business a decrease in insurance cost. Chief Quitter also oversaw the retirement and sale of the 1965 snorkel fire truck, once the prized jewel of the automotive fleet and initiated planning for a new combination rescue/pumper apparatus. Quitter retired from active duty on December 31, 1994. 
January of 1986 saw the retirement of a true Bellevue Fire Department legend, Assistant Chief and treasurer Henry Schutte. Henry joined the Bellevue department as a volunteer on May 5, 1942. He served as secretary for one year before taking over the treasurer job. He was elected to that position for the next 42 consecutive years. In addition to Henry's duty as treasurer, he acted as a full time, nighttime firefighter, six nights a week for 22 years. He reported for duty in the evening and manned the fire station till morning. He relinquished this job in 1970 when the City hired additional full time firefighters. At that time, Bellevue Mayor Thomas Rechtin and council honored Assistant Chief Schutte with the designated as "Honorary Chief” for life. Henry Schutte passed away in December of 1993. Some other 30 plus year veterans of the department who passed away in the 1980's and 90's included Stan Swope, Joe Gross, Joe Bettigheimer, Jack O'Hara, Homer Campbell, Chief Bud Moore, and Tom Oates. Sr. Recent times also saw the retirement of many long time members including: Steve Bishop, Bob Branch, Carl Burkhardt, Dave Camm, Bob Heise, Bill O'Hara, Dave Moore, Don Overman and Charles Wimmers. Throughout the 1980's and 90's the department progressed to a well trained and equipped fire department to meet the needs of a progressive society. With the retirement of Chief Quitter, Captain John Daley was promoted by the City to the position of Fire Chief in July of 1995, Chief Daley's tenure has initiated many progressive changes including an enhanced public education program, individual membership award programs and a renewed regional and state involvement. The state association commitment involved Chief Daley and the Bellevue department co hosting the 1997 Kentucky Firefighters Association Conference with the Dayton Fire Department. Chief Daley is also presently a member on the Governor's Fire Commission for Education and Standards, secretary of the Northern Ky. Firefighters Association and past president of the Campbell County and Northern Ky. Fire Associations. Presently the Bellevue Fire Department is served by full time employees: Captains Dan McHale, Mark Seeger, John Henderson, Lieutenant Chuck Enzweiler and Firefighters Adam Hall and Jim Richmond, Volunteer staff consist of. Lt. Al Brock, Firefighters Charles Craig, Jason Farris, Jeff Goines, Ray Haas, Gary Hatter, Brad Hoffmeister, Keith and Cory Krentz, Charles and Steve Meyers, Matt Olliges, Todd Stieby, Jason Sparks, Steve Thies, Kenvin Thomas, Terry Voss, Terry Wagner and Treasurer Stu Suggs. Through good or trying times, the Bellevue Fire Department has endured. The department has continued for over 100 years to be a constant presence to the safety and community life of the small river city of Bellevue. With changing times and greater demands, the department is constant in looking at ways to enhance its service. One issue that has been looked at for many years and is currently being reviewed is a consolidation of service with the neighboring Dayton Fire Department. Whatever the future brings, the people of Bellevue can always be assured of a first rate fire and emergency service. Bellevue F.D. Modern Day Fire Chief's Special thanks to all whom is listed in this history and those who aren't. The dedication and commitment to the community of Bellevue and its fire department and the legacy they have left serves as an example to all whom now serve. |
