A century of saving lives and protecting property will be celebrated by the Belleville Fire Department this weekend, with a day of events for the community on Saturday, August 18. The celebration marks 100 years since the City of Belleville created a Fire Department Fund to maintain the department and purchase equipment. The first officials fire department was organized on July 29, 1918, with 22 firemen.
Today the department includes 21 firemen headed by Chief Duffy Strnad. Strnad has served as chief 14 years, and as a member of the department for 33 years.
Strnad credits the volunteers for their dedication to training and willingness to respond to emergencies.
Read more: Belleville Telescope.