Chief Tom Ballis

We are committed to protecting life and property through dedicated service to the community.

In the late 1800's, Stillwater was a bustling City on the St. Croix, with the potential for devastating consequences if a fire broke out. The City, being a lumber town, faced a significant fire risk and had experienced several fires and incidents before the formal creation of the Department. However, it wasn't until the great Chicago Fire and the realization that a catastrophic fire of the same nature could occur in Stillwater that action was taken to organize a trained and equipped fire organization.   

May 28, 1872, is the date officially creating the Stillwater Fire Department by City Council Ordinance. Shortly thereafter, on Monday, June 3, 1872, the first meeting of the newly formed fire department was held. At this meeting, officers were elected, and the organization's official name and uniform apparel were selected. The official name was to be "Stillwater Steam Engine Company, No. 1." The uniform would consist of New York-style fire hats with 'Stillwater, 1' printed on the front, patent leather belt, with the figure 1 and the name of the company on the back; double-breasted red shirts with covered buttons and black pants."  The history of the Stillwater Fire Department begins.

Today, the Stillwater Fire Department provides numerous services to the community: fire suppression, technical rescue (high-angle rope, extrication, water, dive), advanced-level first aid and EMS, fire prevention and life safety education, code enforcement, emergency preparedness, community support, civil unrest and terrorism response. As you can see, fire is no longer the only focus the Department is prepared to respond to.

SFD spends numerous hours training staff to be ready to respond at a moment's notice and to handle the situation competently. In addition, the technological improvements seen over the years are staggering, and the need to be adept at learning and incorporating technology is paramount in the fire service profession today. Stillwater Fire continues to be on the cutting edge of progress. It is ready to adapt and transform as needed and required to provide the best possible service to its residents and community.

Since its inception, one thing has remained consistent, the City of Stillwater is protected by extremely dedicated and committed individuals from within the community they live in. These men and women commit their time, talents, and energy to protecting the lives and property of others.

 Local News:

• Chief Glaser reflects on his 40 years with SFD

• Retired Stillwater Firefighters gather monthly

Resources:

•  Facebook: Stillwater MN Fire Department

•  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

•  American Red Cross

•  Community Thread