Did you know?

   The Dwight Fire Departments charter go back to the date of May 17, 1875 when it was formed by order from the Village President, Eugene Baker and the Board of Trustees.  

  The first appointed Fire Marshall, Oliver Slocum and his 45 member volunteer firefighters were organized into two separate fire companies.  The companies were the Good Will Fire company and Hook & Ladder Co #1. Thirty members operated and maintained the Hook and Ladder wagon and pumping apparatus while fifteen members operated the hose cart and steam pumps. It continued to be known by that name until March 8th, 1892, when it was reformed as the Dwight Fire Company. 

  By 1895 there were fourteen street hydrants located around the "old" section of town which had improved water pressure when Dr. Leslie Keely, Curtis J. Judd and John R. Oughton had a water tower built when presented to the village on July 4th, 1898. 

  In 1915 the Dwight Fire Company purchased a Model "T" chemical truck which was able to be operated beyond the village limits. Progress ensued and the Fire Department bought a fire engine in 1925 and again in 1929 for $4000.00  However, horses were still used and in fact, the horse drawn Hook and Ladder wagon was still in service in 1927.  The Fire Department continued to improve its services  and on November 4th, 1964 it formed a Fire District, which it still is to this day.

  The Fire District continues to operate out of one central station built in 1968 at a cost of $60,000.  In 2005, the building was renovated and floor space was doubled with an addition.

  The Dwight Fire District protects an area of approximately 100 square miles, encompassing everything from industry, agriculture, rural to bedroom communities.  In addition, the Fire District protects a section of Interstate 55 & State Route 17 & 47.  Dwight Fire also responds to neighboring departments for mutual & automatic aid.  In an average year the FD responds to approx. 180-200 calls per year. 

back