Fire Department

July 27, 1928: "Water mains and fire hydrants have been installed in the main business and residential district." (The Evening Herald)

May 10, 1939: "The Sprague River fire department purchased a hose cart from the Merrill fire department Sunday. They have ordered 250 feet of new hose. To raise additional funds a dance is planned for Saturday night in the new school gymnasium." (The Klamath News)

December 27, 1940: "The Sprague River fire department, under the leadership of Fire Chief 'Shorty' Book is looking back over the most progressive year of its existence.

The disastrous fires of 1938, which resulted in approximately $100,000 damages awakened the town to the need of more fireproof buildings and firefighting equipment. A series of dances were held in 1939 and 1940 to finance the purchase of firefighting equipment. The first step was the purchase of several soda foam extinguishers by the business men for community use. Then 250 feet of new hose was secured and placed near fire plugs. This year a hose cart was purchased from the Merrill fire department. A shed was built in the heart of the business section and the equipment conveniently stored.

The fire department is purely a voluntary organization composed of the following men: C. C. Hedrick, Keith Powers, Marian Hedrick, Harry Short, Junior Hedrick, Jack Perch, Ed Zibull, Durbin Cook, Harlan Buseth, Gene Merrit and Mario Carnini. C. C. Hedrick Jr., acts as secretary and treasurer.

One new building trend noted in Sprague River business houses is the added use of sheet metal and corrugated iron in the construction as a fire prevention measure.

The fire department was called for one fire during 1940. The fire was in the heart of the business section and only through quick action in the heavy wind was a disaster such as wiped out the business section in 1938 averted." (The Evening Herald)

January 28, 1941: "Plans for raising funds and making numerous improvements in 1941 occupied the Sprague River firemen at their January 20 meeting held at the home of Curt Heidrich.

Chief among the improvements discussed for the coming year was the addition of some kind of a booster pump and the installation of siamese faucets on the plugs. Much discussion ensued over the possibility of a motor fire truck as a purchase of 1941. Chief Book is to make a study of available equipment and the possible expense.

Three new members were voted into the organization. They are 'Skeet' Richardson, David Book and Ray Sette. Preliminary plans for a fireman's dance were discussed and February 8 was set up as a possible date." (The Evening Herald)

March 8, 1941: "The Sprague River Fire Department met Monday night March 3 in the city hall to discuss the expenditure of funds for new equipment, and future activities to raise money.

Under the discussion of new equipment it was voted to add two new axes and an extension ladder. These will be purchased by Vertis Swearingen and added to the fire hall immediately.

A discussion of the feasibility of adding several chemical pumps to the truck brought about the voting of an investigation of the cost and precticability of the pumps. A report will be given at the next meeting.

It was voted that the entire department take a visit to Bly and witness the operation of the marine pump and booster pump of that cities' department. The date for the visit has not yet been made." (The Evening Herald)

April 9, 1941: "The Sprague River fire department sponsored a dance Saturday in the school gymnasium. The dance was one of a series to provide added equipment for the fast growing town. Fire Chief Book states the department is very much in need of several nozzles and a booster pump. It is hoped that the profits of the last few dances will take care of most of the vital needs of the present." (The Klamath News)

November 15, 1957: "The Sprague River Fire Department will sponsor a Turkey Shoot beginning at noon Saturday, November 17. Refreshments will be available on the grounds. The shoot will be held at the gravel pits east of Sprague River. A turkey will also be raffled." (Herald and News)

January 21, 1964: "The Sprague River Fire Department, organized in 1956 as a community-wide project, has reelected Howard Ross president and Bud Gienger, secretary-treasurer. Joseph Herrera will serve as vice president; Dale Harris, Joe Lahoda and Harol Parrish, directors.

In an end of the year review, it was reported that fire department with community support became active under its first president, Jim Rodgers. It has since carried on under Sylvan Crume, Irwin Crume, Donald Schonchin, Dibbon Cook and Howard Ross.

Faced with a dry year, the department was fortunate but met the test on three calls.

Main sources of income to the department are annual turkey shoots and membership fees. These funds are used for operation and maintenance.

In addition, the department regularly contributes to the Parents and Patrons Association, contributed a check to the Presbyterian Hospital in Klamath Falls and has purchased treats each year for the Sprague River School students at Christmas.

The department, with the help of Sylvan Crume who realized need for a refuse dumping ground, has established an area donated and deeded by Crume to Klamath County, to be used for that purpose. It is now being supervised by the county and the Sprague River Fire Department.

Members also had one all-night light installed and plans installation of another at the OC&E railroad crossing north of town.

The new officers and directors were elected Jan. 16 at a meeting at the school cafeteria following a dinner served by women of the Parents and Patrons Association." (Herald and News)

October 2017 - Ron Kemnow photo