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History of Kensington, Kansas - Centennial Edition,
1987
Volunteer Fire Department
The volunteer Fire Department is Nearly as old as
Kensington, although information has been difficult
to find. In the early days, there were windmills and
water tanks in the middle of Main Street. Two hose
carts, used to fight fires long ago, are still in
the present-day fire house.
When the city office was located in the building
where Betty's Beauty Shop is today, the fire house
was in the rear. After World War II, Eddie Evans and
Bill Brockleman drove to Topeka to pick up a surplus
Army truck. Roy Bales overhauled this vehicle so it
could haul 2000 gallons of water, which was a very
large capacity. One of the best fire trucks
Kensington had was a small Jeep wagon, which was
eventually sold to Kirwin.
The present fire house was built in 1964. The fire
bell was moved to the new building but, now it is
being stored elsewhere to prevent damage to it. At
the present time equipment includes one city truck
and three rural trucks. There were 20 firemen, who
are provided with accident insurance coverage. a
15-phone network rings when a fire number is dialed.
Kensington's Fire Department is well equipped,
adding and updating as needed. The fire department
is funded by mil levy and donations.
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