Charleston Fire Dept. celebrating 150th anniversary

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — The Charleston Fire Department will be celebrating a milestone anniversary this weekend: their 150th.

For more than a century, the Charleston Fire Department has served generations of people. Countless firefighters have called the station their second home. Last month marked the big milestone.

“Well, I take exceptional pride in it because my dad actually started here as a as a firefighter in the ’90s,” Lieutenant Jordan Philpott said.

He said continuing his father’s legacy adds a whole new meaning to his job.

“You know, as a kid, growing up and being able to come into the fire station and being exposed to that, it made me have the desire to do it,” Philpott said. “And so that’s that’s what got me here today.”

The Charleston Fire Department was established in 1874. About 100 years later, in the 1970s, they took over the ambulance service from a private company.

Throughout the month, the Charleston Fire Department has been leading up to the anniversary celebration by posting historical photos to their Facebook page . Photos have included their historical trucks, their station, which opened 50 years ago, and the department’s integrated ambulance service , a Central Illinois standout among other fire departments that rely on privately-run ambulance services.

Today, Peyton Daugherty is training to officially become a firefighter EMT.

“I always kind of looked up to these guys. I liked seeing what they did for the community. So, it means a lot to be here,” he said.

Daugherty said that, along with his love for the community, are what shaped his career path.

“Relationships you make with one another here, you know, you do a lot of community events for the town.”

Both Daugherty and Philpott say the next goal is to keep things operating smoothly.

“Hopefully to still be around, still serving the community in the same capacity. Obviously, technologies evolve, needs evolve in communities,” Philpott said.

The fire department will be hosting a community celebration of their founding on Saturday. Food trucks and kids activities, including a bounce house and face painting, will be on hand for the event. There will also be a fire truck parade consisting of both modern and historical Charleston equipment.

The Charleston Fire Department’s 150th anniversary celebration will take place at the Coles County Courthouse starting at 1 p.m.

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