Our History

On November 28, 1952, a group of concerned community folks met to discuss forming a fire department.  Mr. Edward Staat acted as the group’s President and Mr. Arthur Heiligtag as Secretary.  Prior to this time, there was no fire protection other than neighbor helping neighbor.  Fires were fought with buckets of water, garden hoses and whatever could be found.

A motion was made and passed to call the organization “The Antonia Community Fire Association.”  Discussion in that November meeting focused on raising money for the fire equipment.  During the early months, several outside organizations were brought to the association’s meetings to offer ideas regarding managing a successful fire department and recommendations for fire equipment.  In July of 1953 the association purchased it’s first truck chassis from Imperial Motors Company for $2,046.  The total cost of the first fire truck was $8,589.

In October of 1953 it was approved to build a 28 by 34 ft. firehouse.  On December 24, 1953 the association took delivery of it’s first fire truck.  Mr. Glen Kassel was appointed as the first Fire Chief of the Antonia Community Volunteer Fire Association on December 29, 1953.  Assistant Chiefs and fire truck drivers were designated.

In the early 1970’s the area had grown to the point where a volunteer association could no longer adequately serve the community.  In 1974, by voter approval, the Antonia Fire Department became a tax supported district.  Property on which the Antonia Fire House stands was later donated to the district by the Heiligtag family.