History of the Racine Fire BellsFrom the History of the Racine Fire Department For years the fire fighters of Racine have provided protection to
the citizens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their task at times was and still
is a formidable one. As we approached the middle of the 20th century a group of
community minded citizens asked: Who would help the fire fighters at a fire
when the minutes turn to hours and the temperature dips below freezing? What
about during the heat of summer when firemen are dressed in full gear battling
a raging inferno? What about the history and folk lore that makes the Racine
Fire Department what it is today? By 1948 the department had 91 men to protect
the citizens of Racine, and yet something was missing. In February of 1948, Chief Rudy Anderson encouraged and approved the establishment of an organization of civilians interested in addressing the concerns of the fire service. Three men, Herb Brown, Milton Hammerson, and Father Arthur Kelly, met with the chief and discussed how they could go about setting up a buffing organization in Racine. It was decided to contact other fire buff groups across the country to see how they operated, and seek practical information concerning their constitution and by laws. Not long after receiving this information another meeting was held with the chief, and the pros with the cons of having a fire bell club in Racine were debated at length. It was agreed that an endeavor like this should proceed slowly and with prudence. During the month of September, 1948 several men met to discuss the formation of the Racine Fire Bell Club. Those in attendance included Herb Brown, Bud Orth, William McKinley, Charles Schiller, Clarence Cape, Hack Humble, Dave Tichter, Father Arthur Kelly, and Chief Rudy Anderson. In the course of discussion a committee was formed to draft the constitution and by laws of the group. They would report back to the group as a whole on November 18th, 1948 and formally approve a constitution and by laws for the organization. They further set January 1st, 1949 as the last date for accepting charter members to the new club, and the Racine Fire Bells were born.  This group of men dedicated
themselves to insuring that our firemen could perform their duties to the
utmost of their ability and not have their physical well being left to the
unknown. Shortly after their formation, the Fire Bells started responding to
fires, serving a hot cup of coffee or a cooling drink of water to the
dehydrated firemen. Occasionally at greater alarms of fire the Fire Bells would
serve a hot meal or provide a warm blanket or two when the weather was frigid.When the Fire Bells were not chasing fires their organization grew by leaps and bounds. Often the group was more social than service due to the fact that fires were occasionally few and far between. These social gatherings became a place to exchange ideas about the fire service and the firemen they served. Learning about the intricate ways in which firemen went about their job of extinguishing a fire as to minimize the loss to the building and contents became intriguing to them. The many ups and downs of a fireman's job also offered an insight into the difficulties many of these firemen faced when battling the flames of destruction. Basically the Fire Bells became students of the fire service, and their reward was closer ties with those they served and a better understanding of why fires are fought in a certain way. As the years went by, the Fire Bells expanded their knowledge and added a new element to their skills; First Aid! Under the direction of the Fire Department, the Fire Bells undertook American Red Cross training in first aid and became card carrying members of that organization. Their initiative paid off later on as the club became more active in providing first aid at many local events. In March of 1958, the Racine Fire Bells joined a much larger group of fire buffs: The International Fire Buff Associates (IFBA) which was formed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1953. The IFBA is a nationwide organization made up of Fire Buff groups from across the world with approximately 82 clubs in the United States, and several other clubs from Canada, England, Germany, and Australia to name a few. Through the IFBA ideas were exchanged, better ways of serving the fire service were found, and buffing in general was enhanced by the fellowship of other buffs from around the world.  The 1960's saw the
Fire Bells get their first canteen vehicle. This 1956 Ford Panel Truck was
purchased by the Racine Fire Bells from the Milwaukee Firebells in November of
1965. The Ford was outfitted with a stove, ice chest, coffee and water jugs,
and a red light. Just what the club needed to get their services to a fire or
other emergency. Although the Ford had a red light, the club was only allowed
to use it if directed by the Fire Chief or once they were on the scene of an
emergency. The Ford was a big improvement over the trunks of cars which is how
the Fire Bells operated for almost 20 years.  A major
accomplishment for the Fire Bells was the opening of FIREHOUSE 3 MUSEUM in
April of 1977. This former Racine Fire Station is proudly presented as an
educational experience to the Citizens of Racine. A place of honor where the
artifacts relating to the Racine Fire Department are displayed for the benefit
of the entire community. Built in 1881 this building stands as a reminder of
what fire fighting was all about at the turn of the century. Hoofs pounding on
brick streets, coal, smoke, and steam billowing into the air, and the anxious
clanging of bells were familiar sights and sounds of that early era of fire
fighting in Racine. Occasionally today as one walks through the museum
reminiscing about those days gone by, the cry of FIRE can be heard echoing in
the air as the ghosts of firemen race to their appointed task. Tours are
conducted every Sunday except holidays from 1 to 4:30 pm.  Shortly after the
Fire Bells acquired the museum, they obtained another canteen vehicle in
January of 1978. This one came from the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department and was
donated to the club. This vehicle represented an improvement in that up to 8
firemen could be brought inside to take advantage of the warmth provided by
powerful heaters. A propane stove warmed up food or a fresh pot of coffee as
the situation required.In 1985 this vehicle was replaced with a bigger and better unit which remains in service today. This canteen is equipped with a microwave oven, air conditioning, two rapid coffee makers, portable generator power, and many cabinets in which to store other essentials for the fire scene. Along with the new vehicles and equipment the club took on more community service in the form of First Aid. The Fire Bells provide stand by first aid at such events as the Kraut Festival, Air Shows, Salmon-A-Rama, Racine Raiders Football Games, 4th of July Parades, and other local events. Over 500 hours a year are donated to these functions at no cost to the citizens of the community. As the Fire Bells look to the future, the need for their services will only continue to grow. The rewards of serving their community and the fire fighters are beyond measure. A friendly smile or a pat on the back for a job well done has gone a long way for these fire buffs who serve untiringly. Dedication and service will always be foremost on their minds; serving the fire fighters, and citizens of their community with enthusiasm and vigor second to none. Significant Dates in the History of the Racine Fire Bells
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 RFBC Car 55 - 1956 Ford (1965 to 1978) |
 RFBC Car 63 - Served 1978 to 1985 |
 RFBC Car 64 - 1969 IH (Served 1985-1998) |
 RFBC Car 64 - 1996 Chevy P6/LDV Rehab Unit. Placed in service April 18th, 1998 during a dedication ceremony at Firehouse 3 Museum. Many area fire departments, businesses, and foundations in Southeast Wisconsin supported the project. |
 Firehouse 3 Museum. This former Racine Fire Station was built in 1882 and served as home to a horse drawn hose cart, horse drawn steamer, motorized fire engine, and Racine's first full time Rescue Squad. The building was decommissioned in 1968 when several fire companies were consolidated at the new Safety Building. The museum is open Every Saturday from 1 to 4 pm except for holidays and is free to the public. |