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Part 3 of the Waukegan Fire Department history, generously shared by the Waukegan Fire Department.
1930s and 1940s
The 1930s and 1940s presented new challenges to the Waukegan Fire Department as the city grappled with the economic hardships of the Great Depression and later faced resource constraints during wartime. Despite these obstacles, the department remained innovative. In 1935, the Waukegan Fire Department became a pioneer in inhalator-resuscitator work alongside its traditional firefighting duties. On June 26, 1936, the firefighters joined the International Association of Firefighters and received their charter as IAFF Local 473.
A significant fire broke out 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 constructed on this site.
1950s and 1960s
Following World War II, Waukegan experienced a growth spurt, and so did the fire department. On September 28, 1952, Mayor Robert E. Coulson, Chief Norman Litz, and the city council officially opened the West Side Fire Station located at 216 N. Lewis Ave. Approximately 3,000 people attended the opening ceremony. Also unveiled was a brand-new $16,000 Seagrave pumper. A few months later, on October 5, 1952, Chief Litz revealed the city's new Seagrave 85-foot aerial ladder truck, costing $37,000.
The Central station underwent renovations in 1954. By 1958, due to space limitations and the hazardous proximity to congested business district streets with fire lines running through them, the building was considered outdated. In 1962, the Central Fire Station relocated from Madison Avenue to the city hall with facilities facing West Street.
In June 1955, the historic Old Clock Tower at the Courthouse caught fire. Shortly after, a fire prevention ordinance led to the establishment of a dedicated fire prevention bureau within the department. That same year, the Nitro Chemical Plant at 740 Market Street was severely damaged by fire. Firefighters battled the blaze in freezing temperatures, taking nearly 11 hours to bring it under control.
In 1959, the Waukegan Fire Department was staffed by three captains, 11 lieutenants, one master mechanic, and 46 firefighters. The department's 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, responding to around 600 calls annually. The Illinois Bell Telephone Company managed fire alarms through its attended machine-switching central offices in Waukegan's business district.
In 1960, a fire at the Johns Manville plant resulted in an estimated $6 million in damages. Other notable fires from that decade included the Commercial Hotel Fire in 1965, two incidents at the Piggly Wiggly Store in 1964 and 1965, and the Sahs Warehouse Fire in 1966.
By 1966, the department responded to 1,530 calls with roughly the same personnel and equipment as seven years prior. As the city expanded, so did the fire department. In 1969, the North Side Fire Station was built at the corner of Golf Road and Jackson Street. The same year, the Waukegan Tannery suffered an explosion and massive fire, requiring all available resources.
1970s
In 1972, Lt. Dale Adams founded the Waukegan Fire Department Bomb Team under Fire Commissioner Edward R. Pavelick. Initial training was conducted by the New York Police Department and later through the FBI at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.
Commissioner Pavelick also introduced the first EMT-Paramedic program to safeguard Waukegan residents during medical emergencies. The WFD became the second public safety agency in the state to offer this service. Waukegan's new EMTs graduated from the first paramedic training class in Illinois.
In 1979, an unprecedented number of members retired from the department, including Joseph Regis, Lt. John Kink, Richard Repp, Charles Ahlstrom, James Poirier, Sgt. Charles Dicig, Sgt. William Worth, Lt. Roy Hampson, Lt. James Hushour, Captain Louis Milewski, Lt. Joe Musick, Captain George Hull, and Jack Evans. Collectively, they contributed 367 years of firefighting experience.
1980s
One of the most tragic events in Waukegan's history was a fire on Christmas morning in 1984 at the Karcher Hotel on Washington Street, resulting in nine fatalities. Faulty wiring was believed to have caused the fire.
For the second time in their history, the Waukegan Fire Department mourned the loss of a fellow firefighter who perished in the line of duty. On December 29, 1985, Lt. Franklin Mercer lost his life while combating a house fire at 721 McAlister Street. Lt. Mercer had been operating a hose line on the second floor when he joined his crew in an aggressive interior attack after reports of trapped children. He succumbed to multiple injuries sustained when he fell through a weakened floor due to the fire. Over 63 public safety agencies sent representatives to honor his service at his funeral. Lt. 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 to support the fire department's paramedic program.
1990s
On June 17, 1991, a maliciously set fire completely destroyed the 96,000-square-foot Waukegan Warehouse building in broad daylight.
Chief Charles Perkey acquired a new ladder truck and two new engines from Seagrave Fire Apparatus Company in 1995.
In 1997, Chief Charles R. Perkey, Deputy Chief John E. Terlap, Mary William Durkin, and members of the City Council dedicated the new Fire Station #2 at 4505 McGaw. In 2000, the same administrative team inaugurated Fire Station #5 at 3221 N. Green Bay Road.
2000
Following the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the department bolstered its readiness by deploying additional companies and bomb technicians to protect Waukegan residents. Members of the Waukegan Fire Department attended memorial services in New York to honor those who lost their lives. Immediately after 9/11, IAFF Local 473 members, along with other department personnel, raised over $70,000 in two days through a "boot drive," donating the funds to the families of the 343 FDNY members killed in the line of duty.
In October 2002, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) held their official memorial service at Madison Square Garden. WFD representatives were among the 55,000 uniformed firefighters in attendance.
A deliberately set fire at the Cub Foods store on September 3, 2001 caused $1 million in damage. Firefighter David Rigney sustained a fractured leg during the incident. The new Seagrave heavy rescue Squad 1 was put into service on December 27, 2004.
On October 27, 2004, an unnoticed fire that smoldered for over an hour caused the complete destruction of the historic Academy Theatre. The Academy had started as a silent movie house in the early 1900s.
The fire department welcomed a new ladder truck from Pierce Manufacturing Company. Equipped with a 105-foot ladder, hoses, and pumps, it entered service in February 2007.
In 2007, the 113-member fire department responded to 9,407 calls for assistance, the highest number in their 158-year history serving Waukegan residents.
Over the years, many individuals have supported the Waukegan Fire Department by offering time, talents, or simple kindnesses to our members. Special recognition goes to Mrs. Bess McClure, who over several decades sent letters, cards, and thoughtful gifts—especially delicious cookies—to WFD members. To honor her generosity and care for the department, Rescue 3 was dedicated in her honor in 2003. Later, Jack Kruse, Jim McGrain, and Jeff Lynch, who were particularly close to Bess, ensured she received excellent care as she did for us. Following her passing in 2006, Bess was further commemorated by the members of IAFF Local 473, who established a scholarship in her name.
Waukegan Fire Department history Part 1
Waukegan Fire Department history Part 2