Another Look at the History of the Evanston Fire Department In 1901, the Evanston Fire Department (EFD) had a structured pay scale for its members. The Fire Marshal earned $1,500 annually, while Engineers made $960, and Captains and Assistant Engineers received $780. Firemen were paid $720 per year. All personnel worked 24-hour shifts followed by a 12-hour break. If a fireman missed their shift, they were not paid—regardless of the reason, whether illness, injury, or even being on furlough. Meal breaks were typically taken at home or at a nearby restaurant. On a freezing Sunday, December 15, 1901, a fire broke out at the Hoyt Flats on Judson Avenue. All residents were safely evacuated, but the EFD struggled to contain the flames. They had to call in help from the Chicago Fire Department. Three firefighters were injured during the effort: Al Hofstetter of Engine Company 1 suffered a sprained shoulder after falling from a ladder, John Steward of Hose Company 2 got frostbite on his feet, and Charles Harvey of Chicago’s Truck Company 25 was bruised after slipping on a frozen ladder. The fire caused $15,000 in damage, making it one of the most expensive fires in Evanston’s history up to that point. In August 1902, Evanston firefighters Al Hofstetter, John Eckberg, Ed Johnson, and William Pruter, along with their horses "Bob" and "Dan," returned home as champions after winning the prestigious "Firemen’s Competition" in Blue Island. The Evanston Military Band welcomed them on Main Street, and the group paraded through Chicago Avenue before enjoying a dinner at the Avenue House hotel. Their victory came from driving their team, Bob and Dan, 1/3 of a mile, laying 150 feet of hose, connecting it to a hydrant, and spraying water—all in just 18.2 seconds. They took home $75 and extra oats for their horses. The Evanston Firemen’s Benevolent Association (EFBA) was officially chartered in Illinois on November 5, 1902. For over a decade, until the pension fund was fully funded in 1915, the EFBA provided crucial support to disabled firefighters and the families of those who died in the line of duty. Each December, the association held benefit shows, often vaudeville performances or plays, to raise funds. The first EFBA show in 1902 featured the classic silent film *The Life of an American Fireman*, while the final show in 1912 was a play called *The Still Alarm*, which included local firefighters and two beloved horses, "Sharkey" and "Buttons." Buttons was especially famous for biting buttons off clothes and even turning on a faucet by himself during the performance. Starting in 1903, the City of Evanston began offering life insurance to each firefighter. This covered $5 per month for disability or illness and $1,000 for survivors in case of death. Between 1900 and 1904, the EFD nearly doubled in size. Staff grew from 14 to 28, and the number of horses increased from 8 to 16. By 1903, three modern fire stations housed one engine company, two truck companies, and one hose company. February 15, 1903, was a major milestone for the department. Fire Station #2 at 750 Chicago Avenue opened after a $6,000 rebuild. It now housed six personnel, including a captain, a lieutenant, and four firemen. Hose Company 2 was reorganized into Truck Company 2. A Seagrave combination truck was introduced, and Engine Company 1 was split into two units, forming Truck Company 1 at Fire Station #1. New roles and equipment were assigned, and several promotions were announced. Hose Company 3 remained a small unit, operating with just a captain and two firemen. All EFD vehicles, including steamers, hook-and-ladders, chemical engines, and hose wagons, used a two-horse hitch. Truck Company 1 quickly gained a reputation as the “bad boys†of the department. In 1904, one member was fired for insubordination, and others were dismissed or suspended for drinking alcohol on duty. One man claimed he had been drinking at home, not on the job, but he admitted to being intoxicated. Amino Acid,L-alanine,L-methionine,L-valine Amino Acid,L-alanine,L-methionine,L-valine Jiangsu Kaihuida New Material Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.khdchemical.com