Alexandria Fire Department History
Information comes from the Campbell County Historical Society
Although records are incomplete there is evidence that Alexandria had volunteer fire wardens earlier than 1938 with the Clifton Fire Company. The firemen formed a social club called Clifton Third Alarm and answered calls in the county. They had responded to Alexandria on several occasions. The Alexandria department was officially organized in 1938 when about one dozen concerned citizens elected Pete Neiser as its first chief. There was a single bay garage available behind the present courthouse on Main street and the first piece of motorized equipment was stored there. Later the second piece of equipment was purchased and parked there. It is rumored that only one or two people could successfully get both pieces out.
Another problem the Alexandria Fire Department had was the jail located near the courthouse. A hook and cable was made up to hook onto the truck bumper and the bars on both floors. The truck was to back up thus allowing fire firefighters to rescue prisoners if necessary.
The maintenance committee was authorized to spend $1.25 a week. Some purchases were for buckets for 50 cents. In 1950 the Ladies Auxiliary was formed to provide fundraising dinners, bingo and dances. The revenue provided many of the things needed in a day to day operation. The fire department started the ambulance operation in 1961.
When the Alexandria Fire Department was formed most of the area was rural. Many tall dairy barns with hay provided a challenge. The first hazardous material incident was when a fire fighter went out a door, fell and was stuck in cow manure. A later hazard material incident that burned was 50,000 tires. The department spent a month checking and fire fighting that one.
Current membership is limited to 50 fire fighters and many are second generation. Past chiefs include Peter Niser, George Hardy, Richard Arnold, Bud Lederer and Herb Steffen.