Laredo in Webb County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Laredo Fire Department
Major fires during a period of city growth in the 1890s made Laredo citizens increasingly aware of the need for a fire brigade. Eugene Christen reorganized the city's firefighters and became fire chief. The firemen continued to operate as volunteers, with very little city support, until 1912. The city of Laredo then began to pay its firefighters. The position of fire marshal was created in 1915.
The first motorized pumper was purchased in 1922. An enlarged fire station opened in 1928, and a few months later a second location opened with city support, modern equipment, and a strong fire chief, the department grew steadily. By special arrangement the Laredo and Nuevo Laredo Fire Departments agreed to assist each other in cases of extremely dangerous fires.
By 1998, the Laredo Fire Department had nine fire stations, a regional fire training academy, six ambulances, a hazardous materials response team, an arson investigation unit, and fire prevention outreach services. The Laredo Fire Department has evolved with the city continuing to serve Laredo citizens as it has for more than a century.
Erected 1999 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12289.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Heroes. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.
Location. 27° 30.386′ N, 99° 30.3′ W. Marker is in Laredo, Texas, in Webb County. Marker is at the intersection of Matamoros Street and San Bernardo Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Matamoros Street. The marker is located in front of the city building on the north side of Matamoros Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 912 Matamoros Street, Laredo TX 78040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Laredo National Bank (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Webb County (about 500 feet away); Webb County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); City Hall and Market House (about 700 feet away); Laredo's Washington's Birthday Celebration (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jarvis Plaza (approx. ¼ mile away); Laredo World War I Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); The Ramón Family (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laredo.
Also see . . . Laredo, Texas. Wikipedia (Submitted on July 30, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 211 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 30, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on July 31, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.