Part 3 of the Waukegan Fire Department's history continues here, thanks to the Waukegan Fire Department itself.
1930s and 1940s
The 1930s and 1940s were challenging times for the Waukegan Fire Department as the city grappled with economic hardships during the Great Depression and later faced resource constraints during wartime. Despite these challenges, the department remained innovative. In 1935, they pioneered work with inhalator-resuscitators in addition to their regular firefighting duties. On June 26, 1936, the firefighters joined the International Association of Firefighters and became IAFF Local 473.
A significant fire occurred on December 16, 1943, destroying part of the east side of the one hundred block of North Genesee Street. Later, Hein's Store would be built on that site.
1950s and 1960s
Following World War II, Waukegan experienced rapid growth, which also impacted the fire department. On September 28, 1952, Mayor Robert E. Coulson, Chief Norman Litz, and the city council officially opened the new West Side Fire Station at 216 N. Lewis Ave. Approximately 3,000 people attended the dedication ceremony. Alongside it, a brand-new $16,000 Seagrave pumper was put into service. Just weeks later, on October 5, 1952, Chief Litz unveiled the city’s new Seagrave 85-foot aerial ladder truck, costing $37,000.
In 1954, the Central Fire Station underwent renovations. However, by 1958, due to limited space and the hazardous situation posed by fire lines running through busy downtown streets, it was decided to relocate. In 1962, the Central Fire Station moved to the city hall complex facing West Street.
In June 1955, the historic Old Clock Tower at the Courthouse caught fire. Shortly after, a fire prevention ordinance was passed, creating a dedicated fire prevention bureau within the department. In 1958, the Nitro Chemical Plant at 740 Market Street suffered a devastating fire. Firefighters battled the blaze in freezing temperatures, taking nearly 11 hours to bring it under control.
By 1959, the Waukegan Fire Department consisted of three captains, 11 lieutenants, one master mechanic, and 46 firefighters. Their fleet included two rescue squad cars, an emergency truck, four pumpers, one 85-foot aerial truck, one 65-foot aerial truck, and the chief's car. Firefighters worked 56-hour weeks and responded to around 600 calls that year. Fire alarms were handled by the Illinois Bell Telephone Company using its fireproof central offices in the business district.
In 1960, a fire at the Johns Manville plant caused $6 million in damages. Other major fires during the decade included the Commercial Hotel Fire in 1965, two fires at the Piggly Wiggly Store in 1964 and 1965, and the Sahs Warehouse Fire in 1966.
In 1966, the department responded to 1,530 calls with similar personnel and equipment as seven years prior. As the city expanded, so did its fire department. In 1969, the North Side Fire Station was built at the intersection of Golf Road and Jackson Street. That same year, an explosion and massive fire at the Waukegan Tannery required all available resources.
1970s
In 1972, Lieutenant Dale Adams formed the Waukegan Fire Department Bomb Team under Fire Commissioner Edward R. Pavelick. Initial training was provided by the New York Police Department before transitioning to the FBI at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.
Commissioner Pavelick also launched the first EMT-Paramedic program to ensure better medical emergency response for Waukegan residents. The WFD became the second public safety agency in the state to offer this service. The department's first paramedics graduated from the inaugural paramedic training class in Illinois.
In 1979, an unprecedented number of firefighters retired, including Joseph Regis, Lieutenant John Kink, Richard Repp, Charles Ahlstrom, James Poirier, Sergeants Charles Dicig and William Worth, Lieutenants Roy Hampson and James Hushour, Captains Louis Milewski and George Hull, and Jack Evans. Collectively, these 13 members had accumulated 367 years of firefighting experience.
1980s
One of the most tragic events in Waukegan's history occurred on Christmas morning in 1984 at the Karcher Hotel on Washington Street, resulting in the deaths of nine people. Faulty wiring was suspected as the cause.
For the second time in their history, the Waukegan Fire Department mourned the loss of a fellow firefighter in the line of duty. On December 29, 1985, Lieutenant Franklin Mercer lost his life while fighting a house fire at 721 McAlister Street. Lieutenant Mercer had been leading a hose line on the second floor after reports indicated children might be trapped inside. Tragically, he fell through a weakened floor and sustained fatal injuries. Over 63 public safety agencies sent representatives to his funeral. Lieutenant Mercer is survived by his wife Paula and two children.
In 1986, Chief Richard Kamerad initiated the "Vital Link" program, allowing citizens and businesses to donate funds to support the fire department's paramedic services.
1990s
A dramatic daytime fire on June 17, 1991, gutted the entire 96,000-square-foot Waukegan Warehouse building. Authorities believed the fire was deliberately set.
In 1995, Chief Charles Perkey acquired a new ladder truck and two new engines from Seagrave Fire Apparatus Company.
In 1997, Chief Charles R. Perkey, Deputy Chief John E. Terlap, Mary William Durkin, and city officials dedicated the new Fire Station #2 at 4505 McGaw. In 2000, the same team dedicated Fire Station #5 at 3221 N. Green Bay Road.
2000s
Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the Waukegan Fire Department increased readiness levels by deploying additional units and bomb technicians to protect local residents. Members attended memorial services in New York to honor those lost. IAFF Local 473 members quickly raised over $70,000 through a "pass the boot" campaign, donating the funds to the families of the 343 FDNY members killed that day.
In October 2002, FDNY held its official memorial service at Madison Square Garden, with WFD representatives among the 55,000 uniformed firefighters in attendance.
A maliciously set fire at the Cub Foods store on September 3, 2001, caused $1 million in damage. Firefighter David Rigney suffered a broken leg during the incident. The new Seagrave heavy rescue Squad 1 entered service on December 27, 2004.
On October 27, 2004, an undetected fire led to the complete destruction of the historical Academy Theatre, which originally opened as a silent movie house in the early 1900s.
The department received a new ladder truck from Pierce Manufacturing in 2007. Equipped with a 105-foot ladder, hoses, and a pump, it was placed into service in February 2007.
That year, the 113-member department responded to 9,407 calls for assistance, the highest number in its 158-year history.
Over the years, many individuals have supported the Waukegan Fire Department through acts of kindness. One such person was Mrs. Bess McClure, who over several decades sent letters, cards, and thoughtful gifts—especially delicious cookies—to department members. To honor her generosity, Rescue 3 was dedicated in her name in 2003. Friends like Jack Kruse, Jim McGrain, and Jeff Lynch continued her tradition of care even after her passing in 2006. In her memory, IAFF Local 473 established a scholarship fund.
This concludes Part 3 of the Waukegan Fire Department's history.
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