Southfield in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Southfield Township Volunteer Fire Department
Photographed By Joel Seewald, November 11, 2017
1. Southfield Township Volunteer Fire Department Marker
This hall was built in 1942 for the Southfield Township Volunteer Fire Department. It served as hall, office and sleeping quarters for the two engineers, Charles Hooper, Sr. and Paul Ignash who worked twenty four hours on and twenty four hours off for over four years.
When an alarm was received, the engineer on duty would peg the location on a map, note the address on a pad, activate the siren and respond to the fire with the pumper. The first fireman to answer the siren would take over the desk and direct the volunteers who responded either in person or by phone.
The volunteers served until 1948 when the township initiated a full time fire department. The hall then served as the headquarters for the Water Department until it moved to the Civic Center.
In 1976, as a bi-centennial project, it was designated as a fire museum and was reconditioned by the Historical Society of Fire Fighters.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1942.
Location. 42° 28.834′ N, 83° 16.751′ W. Marker is in Southfield, Michigan, in Oakland County. Marker is on Berg Road north of Civic Center Drive, on the right when traveling north. The building and marker are in The Burgh Historical Park. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Southfield Township Site (a few steps from this marker); Southfield Town Hall (a few steps from this marker); Southfield Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Southfield Methodist Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Historical Marker (approx. ¼ mile away); Southfield Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Southfield Centre (approx. ¼ mile away); Congregation Shaarey Zedek (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southfield.
Also see . . . History of the Southfield Fire Department from 1930's to present. City website entry (Submitted on November 13, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, November 11, 2017
2. Southfield Township Volunteer Fire Department and Marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, November 11, 2017
3. Plaque on Rock Between Doors
In honor and respect for the dedicated service of the Southfield Fire Department whose preparation, responsiveness and positive attitude serve and protect the people of the City of Southfield. May 18, 2010
Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 201 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 13, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
