FIRE DEPARTMENT

History of the Purdue Fire Department: A Four-Alarm Success

After years of relying on the protective services of the West Lafayette Fire Department, Purdue University proudly inaugurated it's own fire department in October 1963.  Eleven firefighters, directed by Chief Walter Hart, were housed in the old Naval Armory, a site now known as the Heine Pharmacy Building.  During that first year, the department made 92 runs using it's single firefighting apparatus, a 1963, 100-foot Seagrave aerial-ladder truck.

In 1965, the department moved to it's present location at the Clayton W. DeMent Fire Station on West 3rd. Street.  Today, 27 firefighters and a Chief staff the department with three shifts of firefighters operating on a  rotating 24 hour schedule.

More than the staff has increased at the Purdue University Fire Department.  A 102-foot, 1996 LTI aerial platform has replaced the 1963 Seagrave.  The fleet has grown to include an Emergency One 1,500 gallon-per-minute pumper, a 1999 S&S 300 gallon-per-minute mini-pumper with compressed air foam capabilities, two BLS ambulances, two utility vehicles, a hazardous materials response trailer, and a medical disaster response trailer.

Each year the Purdue University Fire Department...

• participates in more than 900 hours of formal fire training to maintain proficiency and keep abreast of new procedures;
• participates in more than 900 hours of Emergency Medical Service Training to maintain certification as   Emergency Medical Technicians - Defibrillator Trained (EMT-D) from the State of Indiana; and
• participates in more than 900 hours of hazardous materials training.

In fact, each of the 27 fire fighters has attained the distinguished Technician level of training.  Purdue boasts one the very few fire departments in the state whose members are trained beyond the  First Responder level!

The dedicated men and women of the Purdue University Fire Department are excited about the success of their department, and invite individuals and small groups to drop by the station for a visit.  Large groups may arrange in advance for tours by calling the officer on duty at 494-6919.