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Lt. J.A. "Hap" Watson and department mascot Captain Bob at Station No. 2.
Captain Bob with firemen.
Machine and crew - Station No. 4, 100 blk S. Seneca.
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In 1939, the department purchased another new fire truck, a 750 GPM American LaFrance with an enclosed cab. It was inaugurated when Mayor Corn and Fire Department Mechanic Walt Pulver responded to an alarm before the new engine went on track.
Fire Station No. 9 was being planned, it was to be located east of Hillside and south of Douglas.
Also, four new pieces of fire equipment were recommended which would have "two-way radios" and a short time later all apparatus had windshields and radios installed. Prior to this innovation, the officer had to find a phone to call for help or indicate the extent of the fire.
The two fire inspectors were busy with inspection bureau work, complaints, inspections and new construction.
In education and prevention work, 1,499 persons had visited fire stations and fire and safety talks were provided along with demonstrations to all who requested them.
Fire Department mascot, Captain "Bob," another dog the department had adopted, made the news when a license collector for the city declared that Captain Bob would have to have a tag. The reaction by the firemen at No. 2 Station was adamant, "over their dead bodies," was the reply. Not only was it an insult to suggest that a member of the department should have to have a tag, he also received a summons to appear in Police Court. The summons read that No. 2 Fire Department was ordered to appear. Obviously, that just wasn't possible, so a tag was purchased for $1.
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