Brownsburg Fire History

  In 1871, fire destroyed much of the downtown area at the intersection of Green & Main Streets. Less than 100 years ago, Brownsburg had a two wheel cart that was pulled by hand to the scene of fires. The fire alarm system at that time consisted of a bell on the top of a building. A water system was installed around 1923, at which time the town had in operation a Model T Ford with hose, extinguisher and a soda-acid tank.

A lot of changes have occurred between 1871 and 2007. The population of the Town of Brownsburg, Brown and Lincoln Townships has exploded. With such growth, comes considerable increased responsibility within the fire service. Below is a list of facts involving Brownsburg Fire Territory.

• June, 1942 Brownsburg Volunteer Fire Department was organized.
• May, 1945, Ordinance #151 was adopted which provided fire protection for Lincoln and Brown Townships.
• Sometime between May and June 1946, the Town built its first official fire station just west of the water tower.
• November, 1959, Brownsburg placed its first rescue squad in service.
• November, 1961, Brownsburg Volunteer Fire Department was incorporated as a non-profit organization.
• December, 1962, an open house for a new 50' x 70' station was held.
• September, 1965, Brownsburg Town Board accepted bids on the town's first ambulance, a 1963 Cadillac ambulance costing $6,800.00.
• July, 1969, Fire Chief signs acceptance papers to purchase a new 1969 “Squirt” at a cost of $47,192.50.
• December, 1973, Purchased the first Hurst Rescue tool costing $3,800.00.
• January, 1974, 7 Brownsburg firefighters were enrolled in the areas first EMT course.
• September, 1976, “911 System” went on-line.
• 1976, Fire Department budget was cut from $102,000.00 to $66,320.00.
• March, 1980, new Ambulance bids range from $21,931.00 to $23,950.00.
• April, 1980, Kappa Delta Phi Sorority donates two pair ‘Mast Pants” costing $888.00.
• May, 1986, New Pierce Dash purchased for $150,000.00.
• January, 1988, first full-time personnel hired.
• 1991, Department went to 24-hour shifts. 11 full-time personnel on the roster, three of which are Paramedics.
• 1994, Brownsburg Fire Department established as Brownsburg Fire Territory. This is the first fire territory in the state of Indiana.
• 1995, Brownsburg Fire Territory Station 132 constructed.
• 1997, Brownsburg Public Safety Facility constructed.
• February 2005, the Brownsburg Fire Territory Headquarters & Training Facility was developed.
• December, 2006, 91 full-time personnel on the roster.
• 2007, the cost of a new fire engine is $345,014.85.
• 2007, the cost of a new ambulance is $140,000.00.
• Feb 2007, Station 133 opened.

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