Kokomo Fire Station 1

The Kokomo Fire Department was formed in 1867. At that time, the department consisted of volunteers that used a bucket brigade. In 1892, the first paid fire department was formed. The fire chief commanded a force of four firefighters. The equipment on hand consisted of a horse-drawn rig, 200 feet of hose, three axes and five helmets. The department was not motorized until 1916. The Kokomo Fire Department consists of an approximately 123-member career department. It is mostly comprised of sworn firefighters, but it also employs several civilians. The department provides fire protection to all of Kokomo and Center Township, Ind. Kokomo Fire Department also offers emergency medical services within the city limits and responds to hazardous material incidents throughout Howard County, Ind.