RGJ.com
RENO, Nev. — The Reno town site was laid out in March 1868, and the new residents recognizing the need for fire protection formed the first volunteer fire company. The Reno Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 consisted of a simple bucket brigade to protect the wooden buildings that sprang up mostly between the railroad tracks and the Truckee River.
In 1870, a public subscription raised funds to build cisterns downtown, and some of the businesses chipped in to purchase about 1,000 new buckets to be manned by volunteers. The company was even able to acquire a small hand pump. A devastating fire destroyed most of the downtown in 1873, proving this equipment and their valiant efforts were inadequate to defend the city.
To obtain better equipment, the local merchants and property owners raised enough money for a small “truck” to carry ladders, buckets and hooks. When 30 citizens volunteered to serve and others pledged $3,000 for equipment, a new Reno Engine Co. No. 1 formed in November 1875. The next year, they bought a LaFrance Rotary Steamer, 1,000 feet of hose and two hose carriers for about $7,000.
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