Charleston Fire Department holds event to celebrate 150 year anniversary

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) – Saturday is a big day for the Charleston Fire Department as it celebrates a huge milestone: its 150th anniversary.

For more than a century, the fire department has proudly served the community of Charleston with a full-time fire department and emergency medical services. An anniversary celebration will be held on Saturday at the Coles County Courthouse.

Charleston Fire Chief Steve Bennett said he’s excited to celebrate this milestone with a such a talented and well-trained crew.

“I would put us against any fire department in the state, or in the nation for that matter,” Bennett said. “We train on a consistent basis. These guys, they’ve got skills like you wouldn’t believe. They can go into unknown situation and make everything better because they are so trained, whether it’s on the EMS, or the fire side or rescue, these guys they can do it all.”

Saturday’s celebration will be from 1pm to 4pm and feature food vendors, live music and fun activities for all members of the community.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.