Prior to 1951, fire protection in Herculaneum consisted of six hose carts strategically located around town and any individuals willing to volunteer their efforts when a fire occurred. This type of fire protection proved inadequate on Christmas Day 1947, when a fire erupted in the town’s two story school building. Despite the efforts of the volunteers and a neighboring fire department, the fire completely destroyed the school building. With this devastating loss to the town, it became evident that improvements had to be made with regards to fire protection in Herculaneum. Through the efforts of twelve dedicated members of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5168, a volunteer fire department was organized in April 1951.

The twelve charter members of the Herculaneum Fire Department were recently honored at the department’s 50th Anniversary Dinner/Celebration on October 20, 2001. The celebration held at the Amvets Post #48 Hall in Herculaneum began with opening remarks by Fire Chief Bill Haggard. The Jefferson County Fire Fighters Association of Missouri Color Guard presented the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance. Chaplain Terry Watson of the Cedar Hill Fire Protection District was introduced and offered words of prayer to those in attendance.

Following the dinner, a letter from United States House of Representatives Minority Leader Richard Gephardt was read by Chuck Banks of the Congressman’s Jefferson County office. Resolutions in honor of the department’s fifty years of service to the community were presented by State Senator Stephen Stoll of the 22nd district and by Representative Mark Abel of the 103rd District. Herculaneum Mayor John Chamis also presented the department with a proclamation from the City of Herculaneum.

Following the presentations of the resolutions and proclamations, Chief Haggard presented plaques to the charter members and family members who were in attendance. The plaques featured a photograph of the original fire department members and their first truck, a 1931 General Monarch pumper. Charter members in attendance and receiving their plaques were Boston “Bud” Barrett, Casey Haggard, Marvin “Jimmie” House and Elmer Revelle. Plaques were also presented to the representatives of the families of deceased members Thomas Robart and Harold Scaggs. Two charter members, Eugene “Barney” Williams and Paul Bates were unable to attend due to health matters. Other charter members who have passed away are John Douglas, Lynn Johnston (the first fire chief), William Litton and Owen Vinyard.

Chief Haggard next presented service pins to the current members of the fire department. Pins were awarded for each five years of service. The following members received pins for their years of service: Assistant Chief Elmer Revelle (50 years), Deputy Chief Herb Marler (50 years), Fire Chief Bill Haggard (32 years), Ken Marler (32 years), Captain Ron Cartee (24 years), Mike Welch (24 years), Jeff Kendall (13 years), Tim Whitehead (8 years), John Chamis (6 years) and Chris Baker (5 years). Other department members were introduced to the audience and included: Kevin Baker (2 years), Adam Beegle (2 years), Adam Dixon(1 year), Andy Dixon (4 years), Mike Peterein (2 years), Shawn Toohey (2 years) and Mike E. Welch (3 years).

In honor of the 120 men who have served the fire department during the fifty years, Chief Haggard presented a plaque to the department. The plaque featured the department’s 50th Anniversary logo, the names of the current members and the names of all the past fire fighters who have served as firefighters with the department. The plaque also includes the names and years of service for each of the four former fire chiefs of the department.

Two members of the department received special recognition in honor of their fifty years of service to the department. On behalf of the fire department, Chief Haggard presented both Revelle and Marler with a clock and a commemorative brick at the Fire Fighters Memorial in recognition of their years of dedicated service. Both honorees were also presented with resolutions from Senator Stoll, Representative Abel and Mayor Chamis.

In recognition of his 32 years of service to the department, Chief Haggard was presented with a bronze axe from the members of the department by Firefighter Chris Baker. Senator Stoll also presented a Senate resolution to the Chief in recognition of his upcoming 50th birthday.

Following the various presentations, Chief Haggard introduced all past members of the department in attendance, fire officials from neighboring departments and invited guests.

Also recognized were members Chris Baker and Kevin Baker who were selected as the co-Fire Fighters of the Year by the Jefferson County Fire Fighters Association in August.

Since its formation in 1951, nine men have passed away while members of the department. The names of these men, their rank and years of service were read as a memorial presentation was held in their honor. In addition, the names of all former members who have passed away were also read to those in attendance.

Following the memorial, the department unveiled a 40 minute video presentation that chronicled the department’s history through photographs and news articles. A 65 page history book was also made available at the dinner. The video and book were produced by Fire Fighters Chris Baker, Kevin Baker and Chief Haggard.

The department also held an open house for the public at the fire station on Sunday, October 21st.

Throughout 2001, the department has recognized the 50th Anniversary by establishing a web site (www.herculaneumfire.com), placing 50th Anniversary logos on all department apparatus, placing large anniversary signs at the entrances to the city, producing a 50th Anniversary uniform patch and 50th Anniversary shirts and constructing an anniversary float for use in various parades.