From Phil Stenholm:
Another chapter in the ongoing series about the History of the Evanston Fire Department.
The Fireman
Back in 1954, the Evanston Fire Department underwent some changes in its ranks. The civil service title of lieutenant was done away with, and the term "captain II" was introduced for what used to be the lieutenant position. Meanwhile, the previous rank of captain became known as "captain I." Those holding the rank of captain II earned slightly more than the old lieutenants, and to move up to captain I, one had to serve at least a year as captain II. After serving a year in that capacity, a captain II would automatically be promoted to captain I.
Out of the seven EFD lieutenants at the time, five—Leonard Bach, Herb Claussen, George "Bud" Hofstetter, George Jasper, and Willard Thiel—were promoted to captain II right away. However, Harry Schaeffer Jr. and Richard Schumacher, who had been promoted to lieutenant on January 1, 1954, and thus had less than a year's experience in that role, had to wait until January 1, 1955, to receive their promotions to captain II. This made them the final EFD lieutenants, as all future promotions would be directly from firefighter I to captain II.
In the period between 1953 and 1954, the Evanston Fire Department faced two major "storefront" fires.
The first occurred on March 2, 1953, at the Suburban Surgical Supply Company store located at 604 Davis Street. Given its location in the downtown "high-value" area, the initial response included three engine companies and one ladder company. A second alarm brought in a fourth engine company, a second ladder company, and Squad 21. Although firefighters managed to confine the flames to the building of origin, the store was completely gutted, with damage estimates reaching $100,000. This tied the fire with the Tapecoat fire of 1951 and the Evanston Country Club fire of 1922 for the fifth highest loss due to fire in Evanston's history up to that point.
The second fire happened in September 1954 at the A&P supermarket at 2106 Central Street in North Evanston. Engine Co. 23 was the first to arrive on the scene, noticing a light haze of smoke inside the store. The second engine company and the ladder company arrived shortly thereafter and followed Engine Co. 23 into the building. As they investigated the source of the smoke, the ceiling partially collapsed. Thankfully, everyone escaped unscathed, but Capt. Ron Ford, Capt. Herb Claussen, and firefighters Arnold Windle, Dave Tesnow, and Ted Bierchen sustained injuries and were taken to local hospitals. A second alarm and a call-back of the off-duty platoon were issued, primarily to replace the injured personnel. Though not particularly dramatic, the fire caused an estimated $70,000 in losses from fire, smoke, and water damage, and provided a close call for the Evanston firefighters.
Released in October 1954 and now in the public domain, the Evanston Fire Department starred in an educational short film produced by Encyclopedia Britannica under the guidance of renowned educator Dr. Ernest Horn from the University of Iowa. Titled simply "The Fireman," the plot bore some resemblance to the classic 1903 Edwin S. Porter silent film melodrama "The Life of an American Fireman," and showcased several Evanston firefighters and some of the department's new Pirsch rigs in action. While the film didn't win any Academy Awards, it was shown in schools across the country.
Synopsis (Spoiler Alert!):
A rookie firefighter named "Tom Briggs" (though this may not be his real name) reports to Station No. 1 for duty. Standing at morning inspection alongside his fellow firefighters, he is satisfied with Tom's performance and dismisses the group. Firefighter Tom is assigned as the tillerman on one of the aerial-ladder trucks by Duty Officer "Captain Drake" (likely Platoon Drillmaster and Engine 25 Captain Ed Fahrbach).
Under the supervision of Captain Drake and Chief Dorband, Firefighter Tom participates in a training exercise. He climbs Truck 21's aerial-ladder to the roof of the fire station to demonstrate how the hose roller works. Another firefighter pretends to be overcome by smoke and is carried down a ladder and revived using an inhalator, while another leaps into a life net from the top of the drill tower.
Following the exhausting training session, the firefighters relax briefly before being summoned to action by an alarm announcement over the firehouse speaker. Racing to their positions, they head west on Lake Street toward "Third & Main," though the exact location remains unclear until they arrive at 2160 Isabella Street, near the Evanston/Wilmette border. Responding quickly, Engine 21 and Engine 25 take the lead. One pumper connects to the hydrant at the southwest corner of Isabella and Green Bay Road, while Truck 22 extends its main line to the roof at the rear of the structure.
In short order, Firefighter Tom and Captain Drake, equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), enter the house. They rescue little Judy's kitten and extinguish the blaze. With the fire under control, the teams pack up and return to the station.
This film appears to have been shot at a house slated for demolition, providing an excellent opportunity for the Evanston Fire Department to practice their skills. The site would later become part of a grocery store parking lot.
Encyclopedia Britannica released another educational short film titled "The Policeman" in November 1954. Filmed partly inside the Evanston police station and partly in Highland Park, the movie follows Highland Park Police Department "Officer Barnes" and his partner in Car 91 as they patrol the streets of Highland Park. Their tasks include recovering a stolen bicycle, issuing a traffic ticket, and locating a missing child. Officer Barnes is portrayed as a relatable person, enjoying breakfast with his family before starting his shift and returning home afterward.
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