Winger Fire Department celebrates 100 years of service

The Winger Fire Department had its birth in May of 1915 when the Citizens Club elected a committee to ascertain what could be done toward providing the town with fire protection. 

The first appointed Fire Chief was P.E. Krogstad. In September of that year, two chemical engines were purchased from the Fargo Fire Engine Company and the city was assured they would provide splendid fire protection.

The fire equipment was stored for many years in a shed behind the Farmer State Bank. A fire bell on the top of the building served as an alarm. 

The department was moved to the basement of the Auditorium, but that location was unsatisfactory, as the chemical engines froze during unheated periods and the ramp in winter became choked with snow and ice, making it difficult to move the engines out quickly in an emergency.

With the building of the municipal waterworks completed, plans were started to reorganize the Department and to secure modern firefighting equipment. A new fire hall was completed in December of 1948, and an up-to-date Internation truck completely equipped with fixtures, including a pump and 500-gallon tank and 1000 feet of fire hose were purchased. 

The fireman held their first annual firemen’s ball in the Winger Auditorium on December 30, 1948. The event has contiuned since that time. 

The Fire Department again moved and remain in their new building in 1978 and EMS services were added in 1983.