The 1930s and 1940s

The 1930s and 1940s were a time of both struggle and progress for the Waukegan Fire Department. As the city faced the challenges of the Great Depression and then the demands of World War II, the department remained resilient and forward-thinking. In 1935, the Waukegan Fire Department became one of the first in the region to integrate inhalator-resuscitator units into their emergency response, expanding their role beyond traditional firefighting. On June 26, 1936, the firefighters joined the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), earning the charter for IAFF Local 473. This marked an important step in professionalizing the department and connecting it with a national network of fire professionals.

A major fire on December 16, 1943, destroyed part of the east side of the 100 block of North Genesee Street. The site was later redeveloped with Hein’s Store, showing the city's ability to rebuild after tragedy.

The 1950s and 1960s

The post-war era brought growth and modernization to Waukegan and its fire department. On September 28, 1952, the West Side Fire Station at 216 N. Lewis Ave. was dedicated by Mayor Robert E. Coulson, Chief Norman Litz, and the city council. An estimated 3,000 people attended the event, which also featured the introduction of a new $16,000 Seagrave pumper. Later that year, on October 5, 1952, Chief Litz unveiled the city’s first 85-foot aerial ladder truck, purchased for $37,000.

In 1954, the Central Fire Station underwent renovations, but by 1958, the building was deemed outdated due to limited space and unsafe fire lines running through the busy downtown area. In 1962, the station relocated to the city hall, facing West Street, offering better access and more room for operations.

In June 1955, the Old Clock Tower at the Courthouse burned down, prompting the creation of a dedicated fire prevention bureau. In 1958, a massive fire at the Nitro Chemical Plant at 740 Market Street tested the department’s endurance, as firefighters battled the blaze in freezing temperatures for nearly 11 hours.

By 1959, the department had 3 captains, 11 lieutenants, 1 master mechanic, and 46 firefighters. Their equipment included two rescue cars, an emergency truck, four pumpers, two aerial trucks, and the chief’s vehicle. Firefighters worked 56 hours a week, responding to around 600 calls annually. The Illinois Bell Telephone Company provided critical support, transmitting fire alarms from its secure central offices in the business district.

The 1960s saw several significant fires, including a $6 million loss at the Johns Manville plant in 1960, the Commercial Hotel Fire in 1965, and multiple fires at the Piggly Wiggly Store in 1964 and 1965. In 1966, the Sahs Warehouse Fire added to the department’s challenges. By 1969, the North Side Fire Station opened at Golf Road and Jackson Street, and the Waukegan Tannery explosion required full deployment of all available resources.

The 1970s

In 1972, Lieutenant Dale Adams formed the Waukegan Fire Department Bomb Team under Fire Commissioner Edward R. Pavelick. Initial training was conducted by the New York Police Department, followed by advanced instruction at the FBI’s Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. That same year, Commissioner Pavelick introduced the first EMT-Paramedic program in the state, making the WFD the second public safety agency in Illinois to offer such services. These paramedics were among the first trained in the state, setting a new standard for emergency medical care in the community.

In 1979, a record number of firefighters retired, including veterans like Joseph Regis, Lt. John Kink, and Captain Louis Milewski. Together, they had served over 367 years, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service.

The 1980s

The 1980s were marked by both tragedy and innovation. One of the worst incidents in Waukegan history occurred on Christmas morning in 1984, when a fire at the Karcher Hotel on Washington Street claimed nine lives, believed to be caused by faulty wiring. In 1985, Lieutenant Franklin Mercer lost his life while fighting a house fire at 721 McAlister Street. He fell through a weakened floor while searching for trapped children. His funeral was attended by representatives from 63 public safety agencies, a testament to his bravery and sacrifice.

In 1986, Chief Richard Kamerad launched the "Vital Link" program, allowing citizens to support the department’s paramedic services through donations.

The 1990s

The 1990s brought another major fire on June 17, 1991, when the 96,000-square-foot Waukegan Warehouse was completely destroyed by a malicious fire. In 1995, Chief Charles Perkey acquired a new ladder truck and two engines from Seagrave Fire Apparatus Company. In 1997, Fire Station #2 at 4505 McGaw was dedicated, followed by Fire Station #5 at 3221 N. Green Bay Road in 2000.

2000s

On September 11, 2001, the Waukegan Fire Department played a key role in ensuring the safety of residents during the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. Members of IAFF Local 473 quickly organized a “pass the boot drive,” raising over $70,000 for the families of FDNY firefighters who had died in the line of duty. In 2002, WFD representatives attended the FDNY memorial service at Madison Square Garden, honoring the fallen.

In 2001, a fire at Cub Foods caused $1 million in damage, and firefighter David Rigney suffered a fractured leg. In 2004, the new Seagrave Heavy Rescue Squad 1 was commissioned. That same year, a hidden fire led to the total destruction of the historic Academy Theatre, which had once been a silent film house. A new ladder truck from Pierce Manufacturing was put into service in 2007, equipped with a 105-foot ladder and advanced pumping systems.

In 2007, the department recorded its highest call volume ever, responding to 9,407 incidents in a single year—marking a milestone in its long and proud history.

Throughout its history, the Waukegan Fire Department has relied on the support of many individuals who have given their time, talent, and kindness. Among them was Mrs. Bess McClure, whose decades of letters, cards, and homemade cookies brought comfort to firefighters. In 2003, Rescue 3 was dedicated in her honor. After her passing in 2006, members of IAFF Local 473 established a scholarship in her name to continue her legacy of care and support.

Waukegan Fire Department history Part 1

Waukegan Fire Department history Part 2

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