WPBFD History

ters. This modern station was quite a contrast to the other three existing firehouses. Fire officials had pro- vided most of the input in design- ing the first single-story firehouse in the city. The truck room was a large expanse that could be utilized for many years as apparatus in- creased in size. The station had a classroom suitable for about twenty -four firefighters, and a shop facil- ity was incorporated into the de- sign. Extensive repairs could now be made by department mechanics on their own turf. The department had grown to 93 men with the addi- tional personnel needed for #4 Sta- tion. Truck 1/2 made its debut in early 1961. Master Mechanic O. A. Ben- nett, known as "Highpockets", and other firemen spent a year building the scale model pumper, basing the design on the department's 1957 Peter Pirsh fire truck (P-300). The chassis and engine were from a 1950 Crosley station wagon. A $50 budget made it necessary to scrounge most parts from junk dealers. The fenders were made from kerosene stove parts, for example. The tiny replica was fully operational. It could pump water at fifty gallons a minute leading observers to believe that it was used to fight small fires. The truck was adorned with a siren, bell, red light, 75 feet of hose, and a 12 foot hand made ladder. T-1/2 was used in fire prevention work and took a first place prize in the Youth Extravaganza Parade held in Miami on February 8, 1961. Later in the year the truck made an appear- ance at the National Jaycee Parade in Atlanta, Georgia. By 1963 the unique vehicle had been in 10 parades in- cluding the American Legion Parade in Miami and the Governor's Inaugu- ral Parade in Tallahassee. In 1991 the Centennial Committee had the little pumper refurbished so it would be presentable for the 1994 celebration. Even today it is the favorite of all children who tour the station.

Jr., one of the officers involved in extinguishment, sustained burns to his forehead, neck, and ears. The high winds, gusting to 48 m.p.h., made the use of aerial equipment extremely dangerous for basketman Robert D. Hennessy. Cause of the fire was traced to an electrical short in an air conditioner. The 1959-60 annual report reflected fire losses of $437,127.78 for the fiscal year. This was more than three times that of the previous year, but there were no fire related deaths. Department manning was now at 80, 2 of which were as- signed to the Fire Inspection Bu- reau. New recruits were trained for the opening of the first additional fire station since 1922. The city was expanding to the west between Belvedere Road and Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, making it im- perative to add another station. Failure to do so might result in in- creased fire insurance rates. The department was currently rated Class 4 by the N.B.F.U. and would certainly lose ground if changes were not im- plemented. 1961 Number 4 Station was built on the corner of Parker Avenue and Park Street in 1961. The dedication cere- mony for the $112,706 station was held on Saturday, April 1, with some 200 people in attendance. Mayor Percy Hopkins gave a short address and presided over the ribbon cutting. The building was designed by John B. Marion, architect, and constructed by Paul & Sons, contractor. Chief Witherspoon gave a short speech in which he commented, "The construc- tion of this station is a big step for- ward in providing sufficient improve- ment in our fire defense to qualify our city for further reduction in insurance rates." Four firefighters, manning P- 302, were assigned to the new quar-

Chief Witherspoon surveys damage at the Citizens Building dentist office fire.

15 T-42 with pump line into 5th floor.