The story of the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department began with a small group of dedicated residents in early 1955, united by a shared commitment to protecting their community. What started as a grassroots effort quickly evolved into an organized, incorporated department that has served Liberty Township with pride for decades.
This timeline highlights significant moments in our history—founding meetings, incorporation, early apparatus, and growing call volumes—but it is far from complete. As we continue to uncover documents, photos, and stories, we will expand this historical record. We welcome contributions from the community to help preserve and honor our legacy.
The First Meeting: Laying the Groundwork
A group of 19 residents met at Liberty Center School to discuss forming a volunteer fire department. The Fire Chief of the Ainsworth-Deep River Volunteer Fire Department attended to offer insight into equipment needs and the challenges of starting a department.
Organization Takes Shape
Residents met again and elected temporary corporate officers, formed committees, and agreed to meet every Wednesday. The group named itself the Liberty Township Volunteer Fireman’s Organization.
Formation of the Women’s Auxiliary
The Women’s Auxiliary was formed to support the efforts of the new fire organization.
Leadership Elected and Finances Reported
While still drafting the Constitution and Bylaws, the group held elections for regular corporate officers and a Board of Directors.
- Corporate Chairman: Harry Miller
- Chairman of the Board: Edward Pillman
The first Treasurer’s report showed a balance of $136.25.
Constitution and Bylaws Adopted
The organization formally adopted its first Constitution and Bylaws, establishing the governing framework for the department.
Official Incorporation by the State of Indiana
The department received its incorporation documents from the State of Indiana.
Official name: Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department of Porter County, Inc.
First Fire Officers Elected
The first slate of fire officers was elected, with Harold Esserman chosen as Fire Chief.
First Fire Apparatus Ordered
A $12,889 bid was awarded to W.S. Darley for a new fire pumper built on a 1955 Ford F800 chassis. The pumper featured:
- 600-gallon water tank
- 500 GPM pump
- 500 feet of 2½" hose
- Nozzles
First Training Meeting Held
The department conducted its first training meeting, marking the beginning of formal preparedness efforts for volunteers.
New Pumper Delivered and Tested
The new pumper was delivered and successfully passed its performance tests at Flint Lake. With no station yet completed, the apparatus was housed at Kibble’s Garage at the corner of US 6 and SR 49.
First Meeting at the New Fire Station
The department held its first official business meeting in the newly constructed fire station.
Membership Growth and Call Volume Increase
The department had expanded to 47 active members, up from the original 15.
- Each night, a member took a shift to receive incoming calls.
- On Sundays, two members were scheduled—one for the day and one for the night.
- Mutual aid agreements were beginning to take shape.
- In 1956, the department responded to 57 calls.
Support for a Neighboring Department
Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department leased a fire engine to the newly established Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department for just $1.00 per year under a three-year agreement. At the time, WTVFD had 30 members on its roster. This act of support helped the neighboring department begin its operations and demonstrated Liberty Township’s commitment to regional fire service cooperation.
Department Status: Membership, Calls, and Apparatus
By the start of 1991, the department reported:
- 32 active firefighters
- 11 active auxiliary members
- 294 calls responded to in 1990
- Apparatus included:
- Light Rescue
- Heavy Rescue
- 4,000-Gallon Tanker
- 1,500-Gallon Pumper/Tanker
- Two Squads
- Mini Pumper
- Brush Truck