Brenham Fire Department just celebrated 150 years of service this past May. By reading the towns history and even the annual events in Brenham, its easy to see how this town is involved with keeping the history and the traditions alive. The History of Brenham Fire Department and the Fire Trucks is quite interesting and worth learning about.
Currently the Brenham Fire Department is comprised of a paid Chief, Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal and twelve paid fire fighters. Ricky Boeker became the first paid Chief in the department’s history in February, 2008.
The fire department also sponsored the first annual Brenham Maifest which is held each May.
Historical Marker Reads:
Brenham Fire Department
Two volunteer organizations, Brenham Hook and Ladder Co. and the Fire Protection Co., were started May 28, 1867, ostensibly to fight fires. In reality they were also military companies to suppress lawlessness until 1874 Reconstruction ended. In 1875 a fire alarm bell and in 1880 a 50 gallon cistern were installed on courthouse square. The second steam fire engine in Texas was purchased in 1878.In 1881, firemen sponsored the First Annual Brenham Maifest, then continued it 60 years. In 1884 they built for the event a pavilion in Firemans Park.
Historical Marker Year 1965