Our Station: A Legacy of Service and Dedication
The fire station of Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department stands as a lasting testament to the commitment and unity of the Liberty Township community. The idea for a fire station first took shape in the early 1950s, when concerned residents recognized the growing need for local fire protection. After meeting with township officials, a suitable location was selected at the corner of County Road 900 North and County Road 50 West.
Construction of the original station was completed in 1956. Modest in design, it featured a two-bay garage, a single-room office, a radio room, and an attic. As the township and the department evolved, so too did the station. It underwent three major expansions to meet growing demands, with the most recent completed in the late 1970s. Today, the station includes four front-facing bays, an additional side bay at the rear, expanded office and storage areas, and a full kitchen.
What makes the Liberty Township station truly special is how it came to life: not with tax dollars, but through the hard work and generosity of its people. The station was built entirely by fire department members and local residents. Construction materials were donated, repurposed, or purchased using community contributions. That same spirit of volunteerism and collective effort continues to define our department to this day.
The station currently houses six apparatus. While the original building was suited to the smaller fire trucks of the past, modern fire apparatus have grown significantly in size due to advancements in technology, equipment, and safety standards. Despite these changes, our station continues to serve as the operational heart of Liberty Township VFD—ready for whatever comes next.
Station Address
47 West 900 North
Chesterton, Indiana 46304
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2123
Chesterton, Indiana 46304
Station Phone
(219) 926-5215
Apparatus Housed Inside the Station
A Site Steeped in Local History
The Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department isn’t just a vital piece of our community’s safety infrastructure—it also stands on ground with deep historical roots.
Long before fire trucks and rescue equipment occupied the site, it was home to the Johnson School, part of Liberty Township’s School District Number 5. Originally constructed in 1854 by William Babcock, the school was a modest frame structure that also served as a Grange Hall, bringing neighbors together for education, agriculture, and community events. Built for just $300, it symbolized the township’s early commitment to education and civic life.
As Liberty Township grew, so did its educational needs. The original schoolhouse was replaced in 1889 with a brick structure built by Nathan Demass, costing $1,350. Then, in 1913, another larger brick school was constructed on the same site to accommodate increasing student enrollment. These buildings served generations of local students and became landmarks in the community’s development.
By 1928, with enrollment outpacing the existing facilities, Liberty Center High School was built just across County Road 900 North. This new building marked the consolidation of all township schools into one central institution, closing the chapter on the original Johnson School site as an active place of learning.
Today, the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department occupies this historically significant location. While the mission has shifted from educating young minds to protecting lives and property, the spirit of public service remains constant. From schoolhouse to firehouse, this site has stood as a symbol of Liberty Township’s enduring commitment to its people.
