Excerpts from kmov.com: The story of the Union Fire Company dates back to 1736, when Benjamin Franklin established the first such organization. Fast forward to 1871, and a new chapter began in Centreville, Illinois, with the formation of the Union Fire Company, which started with 32 dedicated members. Things took an interesting turn when a neighboring town, just 10 miles south, also named itself Centreville. This led to some confusion, as both towns shared the same name for about five decades before the southern one decided to change its name in 1890. They chose the name Millstadt, and the fire department there eventually became known as the Millstadt Union Fire Company. Millstadt is a historic town with deep German roots. While other fire departments came and went over the years, Millstadt remained committed to its tradition. Today, the Union Fire Company of Millstadt holds a special place in history—it's the oldest continuously operating volunteer fire department in Illinois. In the early days, firefighters relied on hand-pumped engines, wheeled hose reels, and leather buckets to fight fires. Their response wasn’t limited to fires alone—they were called upon for all sorts of emergencies. Current Fire Chief Kurt Pellman leads a team of 32 active volunteers, including his own son. Modern technology has replaced the old ways—today, pagers alert them when a call comes in. But back in the day, communication was much simpler. "We used to blow the town siren three times if there was a fire," Pellman recalled. "If it sounded a fourth time, everyone knew to come in." Among the long-time volunteers are men like Ralph Schaefer, whose great-grandfather arrived in the 1870s, and Robert Stumpf, whose family has been in the area since the 1840s. Stumpf has served with the department since 1956, even holding the position of chief at one point. Butch Hettenhausen’s ancestors came from Germany in the mid-1800s, and he has dedicated his life to volunteering. "Back then, our old trucks had only two pairs of boots and three coats," Pellman said. "You had to hope you got the right pair. Our only protection was a raincoat. No one even knew what a breathing apparatus was." "We went in without any real protection," Stumpf added. "It was pretty rough, but we did it anyway." The Millstadt Union Fire Company covers a vast area of nearly 96 square miles, serving rural communities in southern Illinois. Over the years, they've received strong support from the local community, which has helped keep the department running smoothly. The town itself remains a close-knit, tight community where people look out for each other. Through all the years, the challenges, and the changes, one thing has always remained the same: the dedication of the men who serve. In the past, firefighters who missed a community event faced a 50-cent fine. Missing a funeral procession? That was unthinkable. Click on the link above for photos and the full article. Luminous Tape,Glow Tape,Illuminous Tape,Glow In Dark Tape Dongguan Guanhong Packing Industry Co., Ltd. , https://www.tapegh.com