Now & Then, 04/30/2026

During the recent flooding, several groups stepped up to assist others. One of those groups was area fire departments. A fire department is critical to communities, but they aren’t often recognized for their amazing efforts.
Did you know Shawano’s first fire department was a volunteer bucket brigade? Historical records indicate every able-bodied man in the city was a member.
When the fire alarm sounded, each man grabbed two pails and headed to where the water was pumped by hand from the wells.
The first organized fire department in Shawano was established in 1871. It was equipped with a hook and ladder apparatus and a man-powered pump purchased from Oshkosh.
The pump required sixteen men to operate it and two men to hold the two-foot nozzle of the hose. Two reservoirs on Main Street were the source of water supply and water was not to be pumped until the signal was given.
Records say sixteen men, at the home of Dr. McComb, in excitement, began to pump water before the signal. Will Charnley, chopping a hole in the roof of the burning house, was bowled over by the force of the water and rolled to the ground, but uninjured.
The water ripped the shingles off the roof, doing more damage than the fire. According to a July 16, 1936, news item, the old equipment was replaced with a modern fire engine and other modern fire-fighting equipment.
The all-volunteer fire department, in the 70’s when hubby was a volunteer, was headed by Fire Chief, Melvin Knope. The fire equipment was housed in the Shawano Fire Station on N. Sawyer Street. During my tenure as mayor, his son Doug Knope became Fire Chief.
Doug worked with local towns to include Richmond, Wescott, Waukechon and Belle Plaine to create a wonderful working relationship.
A volunteer fire department was organized in the Keshena vicinity in 1957 to serve the developing community. The Menominee Tribal/County Fire Department operates as a unified volunteer force, covering Menominee County/Reservation with stations in Keshena and Neopit.
It was established to protect the communities. The department handles structural fires, water rescues, hazardous materials, and vehicle accidents across roughly 360 square miles. Both Keshena and Neopit departments played a crucial role in stopping a March 2026 fire at the Menominee Enterprises sawmill in Neopit.
Their team regularly trains in accordance with Wisconsin fire codes and operates varied equipment, including pumpers, tankers and rescue trucks.
The department works closely with the Tribal Police and local utilities to maintain safety on the reservation.
The Oconto Fire Department and Rescue Department has been in existence since approximately 1880. It was led by a fire commissioner and committee, operating two companies with 15 members each.
Historical stations included Station No. 1 on Congress Street and Station No. 2 on Pecor Street near the Northwestern Railroad tracks.
Most remember hearing about the nearby Peshtigo fire of 1871. Fortunately, the City of Oconto was spared, highlighting the need for effective local fire measures.
The department expanded to include fire, rescue, and building inspections and emergency services.
In recent years, the department has been operating in a relatively new municipal building. The department maintains a fleet of fire and rescue operations and works to serve the city and surrounding townships.
On January 27, 1678, the first fire engine company went into service. The United States did not have a government-run fire department until the time of the American Civil War.
The first Waupaca fire department was formed in 1871.
In 1939, the City Council in Waupaca, passed an ordinance combining the Hook and Ladder Company and the Hose Company into one group, which became the Waupaca Fire Department.
On July 7, 1942, the City of Waupaca purchased a used Seagrave fire truck from the City of Shawano. This gave the Waupaca Fire Department two motorized units.
Thank you to firefighters in all communities. You are critical to the safety of the communities you serve.
Note: the Market Messenger is distributed to residents in four counties to include Menominee, Waupaca, Oconto and Shawano.